Lauding dedicated who brought killer to justice
I have been in the prosecution business now for 34 years. Whenever I believe I can no longer be shocked or surprised by the evil that exists in this world, I am taken aback by a case that proves to be more despicable and horrific than those that have come before it.
I remember with utter clarity the moment two years ago when Deputy County Attorney Susan Eazer called to report that the badly decomposed body of a tiny child had been recovered from a dumpster at a self-storage facility.
I recall the numerous meetings that took place in the days following, remember the televised image of Tucson police in ghostly white hazmat suits sifting through tons of garbage at Los Reales landfill, meticulously searching for Tyler’s tiny body.
I recall even more grisly and gruesome facts unfolding almost daily in the weeks to come, and my astonishment and disbelief at the defendants’ malevolence grew.
The total dedication and perseverance it takes to investigate and prosecute a case like the one against Christopher Payne and Reina Gonzales, and the silent toll it takes on those who work it, is incomprehensible to most.
The facts are more repugnant and horrific than usual, the victims so young, so guileless, so blameless and innocent.
The physical, emotional and psychological toll is considerable for each prosecutor, police officer, investigator, advocate, paralegal and other staff.
Regardless, their dedication and commitment to the pursuit of justice remained unflagging for two years. They succeeded in their mission, and for that the entire community is grateful.
Each of the dozens of people who worked this case from beginning to end has my complete admiration, gratitude and appreciation for a job extraordinarily well done. Thank you so very much.
Barbara LaWall
Pima County attorney
Game & Fish reined in free speech at expo
As Congress pushes for better protections for vanishing wild horse and burro herds on public lands, and struggles with the Bureau of Land Management’s threat to kill 33,000 mustangs already removed, the Arizona Game & Fish Department refused to allow a local wild horse rescue group a booth at a state- sponsored Outdoor Expo.
Game & Fish Director Larry D. Voyles opposed increased protections for wild horses and burros under HR 1018, testifying March 3 before the subcommittee on National Parks, Forest Service and Public Lands.
But Game & Fish Deputy Director Gary R. Hovatter denies that the testimony is related to the action to restrict public education by the Wild Horse Ranch Rescue in Gilbert.
Game & Fish officials claim wild horses are not wildlife.
Wild horses and burros are nongame wildlife viewing attractions, however, that bring tourism and money to economically struggling communities such as Kingman and Heber-Overgaard.
Game & Fish is mandated to provide information to the public concerning wildlife, which includes conservation.
Public education in wildlife conservation is precisely the objective of wild horse rescue.
Last month, 11 burros were illegally shot to death 20 miles outside of Phoenix.
Game & Fish is deliberately repressing free speech of Arizonans who support viewing of wild horses and burros on public lands.
I call on the governor and attorney general to investigate the action of Game & Fish to repress free speech of Arizonans.
Julianne French
Tour border wall on big screen here
Thank you for your enlightening piece about the plight of our southern border and for calling attention to former Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff’s folly (Saturday editorial, “Environmental devastation”).
Folks interested in learning more about the wall, and the damage it causes, can view the film “Wild Versus Wall” 7 p.m. April 20 at the Gallagher Theater in the University of Arizona Student Union.
Lee Oler
Animal ID could put small biz out to pasture
Stop HR 875/S425. Have you read this bill? This is knee-jerk reaction to food safety problems caused by big agribusinesses.
This is akin to the National Animal Identification System. All these are put forth to benefit big agribusinesses. These laws will put all small farmers and livestock breeders out of business. Stop HR 875/S425, The Food Fascism Act.
Patricia A. Claves
Green Valley
Contractors build up fed highway nominee
Associated General Contractors praises President Obama for nominating Victor Mendez for federal highway administrator.
At the Arizona Department of Transportation, and most recently as director, Victor played a key role in working with AGC and other infrastructure advocates across Arizona to create a smart long-term transportation plan and address important safety issues.
I am confident he will do the same as federal administrator and we look forward to continue working with him.
David Martin
president, Arizona AGC
Sarah Morgan
vice president, Arizona AGC
Phoenix