Connect with us

Southwest

NM lawmaker whose son was murdered rips Dems for ‘homicide scholarships’ after her crime bill was tanked

Published

on

NM lawmaker whose son was murdered rips Dems for ‘homicide scholarships’ after her crime bill was tanked

A New Mexico lawmaker whose son was murdered by a juvenile expressed outrage this week after her criminal justice bill was tanked in favor of what some on the right are calling a “homicide scholarship” program.

State Rep. Nicole Chavez of Albuquerque said Thursday she is “sickened” by the developments.

“New Mexico Democrats voted to hand offenders like my son’s killer $2,000 a month—some twisted reward for shattering my family,” Chavez said of the “homicide scholarship” moniker first dubbed by state Rep. Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, earlier this month.

That bill would provide a monthly stipend for certain former convicts under the age of 26 seeking educational opportunities or other ways to get on the proverbial straight-and-narrow, according to multiple reports.

Per the text of the bill, it would provide money for the Juvenile Community Connections Fund to be used toward programs providing services for adjudicated delinquents and youth, and establish a panel to determine the next steps for a convict released from a juvenile facility.

Advertisement

“I sponsored HB 134 to deliver justice and accountability, but they refused to come to the table,” Chavez said of her original bill.

Chavez’s bill, which had the support of Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, was effectively tanked by Democrats in the House – reportedly including some originally warm to it.

HB 134 sought to update 1970’s-era New Mexico laws outlining the criminal justice process for juveniles, including moving some violent crimes like first-degree murder for younger teen suspects to adult court.

NM LAWMAKERS CLAIM SWEEPING GUN CONTROL BILL IS ‘DEMS DISARMING US’

Lujan Grisham and a handful of Democratic prosecutors supported the bill, according to the Piñon Post, but four Democrats in the Consumer & Public Affairs Committee successfully tabled the bill, which has yet to see further movement as the session winds down.

Advertisement

“This is not progress—it is a knife in the heart of every parent who has buried a child,” Chavez said Thursday. “New Mexico Democrats have turned their backs on victims and their families, choosing instead to reward the very criminals who destroyed our lives.”

Instead, the purported “homicide scholarship” bill was given a reading and passed by the House earlier this month.

Montoya told the Santa Fe New Mexican the new bill, HB 255, is “a perfect example of how progressives think about crime, that the individual doesn’t need to be held responsible for their actions – [in that they] need to be coddled, that they’re somehow a victim themselves, and we need to make sure that they have an opportunity, and we need to do everything we can to rehabilitate them even when it means we do more for them than the victims.”

Lujan Grisham did not respond to requests for comment on the latter bill.

NM TEENS 13 & 15 CHARGED WITH MURDER

Advertisement

The governor approved a criminal justice package earlier this month that reportedly targeted fentanyl trafficking in the border state and dealt with suspects deemed mentally unfit for trial and grand theft auto penalties.

However, she was also lambasted by Republicans for supporting what conservatives called one of the strictest pieces of gun control legislation last week. Meanwhile, another top House Republican called the “homicide scholarship” bill “another betrayal to New Mexicans.”

“Democrats have forced through legislation that gives juvenile murderers $2,000 monthly scholarships, funded by the sweat of hardworking taxpayers. This isn’t compassion—it’s a perverse reward for bloodshed, a signal to every thug that crime pays in this state,” said Rep. Stefani Lord of Sandia Park.

Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, added that “Homicide Scholarships should alarm every New Mexican who fears for their safety,” and that the signal sent by the bill is that “crime truly pays.”

Instead of passing common-sense legislation [from Chavez] … they are playing political games at the expense of victims and taxpayers,” Reeb said, while Rep. John Block, R-Alamogordo, added that in the Land of Enchantment, “victims get ignored; thugs get pampered.”

Advertisement

Fox News Digital reached out for a response from Senate President Pro-Tem Mimi Stewart and House Speaker Javier Martinez, both Albuquerque Democrats.

New Mexico State ‘Roundhouse’ in Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Getty Images )

House Majority Leader Reena Szczepanski, D-Santa Fe, also did not respond by press time.

One Democrat, Rep. Andrea Romero of Santa Fe, spoke to the Albuquerque Journal about her opposition to Chavez’ bill, saying that “we’re talking about detaining and committing children.” An Albuquerque prosecutor also cited a 57% increase in juvenile crime in a one-year period through 2023.

Advertisement

Lujan Grisham told the paper that she will continue to urge lawmakers to “answer the call” on juvenile justice reform.

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Southwest

TPUSA spokesperson accuses Arizona teachers of mocking Charlie Kirk’s death with Halloween costumes

Published

on

TPUSA spokesperson accuses Arizona teachers of mocking Charlie Kirk’s death with Halloween costumes

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet on Saturday slammed teachers at an Arizona high school for appearing to mock the death of Charlie Kirk but walked his remarks back at least partially when it turned out their Halloween costumes predated Kirk’s death.

Kolvet posted a photo on X showing eight teachers from Cienaga High School’s math department in the Vail School District in Tucson wearing white shirts splattered with dark red dye and featuring the phrase “Problem Solved.” 

He said the image was shared by concerned parents.

“Concerned parents just sent us this image of what’s believed to be teachers in [the Vail School District] in Tuscon, Arizona mocking Charlie’s murder with costumes that read ‘Problem Solved’ and blood down the left side of their shirts,” Kolvet said. “They deserve to be famous, and fired.”

Advertisement

OREGON HIGH SCHOOL STAGES WALK-OUT PROTEST OVER TEACHER ALLEGEDLY CELEBRATING KIRK’S DEATH

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a campaign rally for President Donald Trump at Desert Diamond Arena Aug. 23, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz.  (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

School Superintendent John Carruth said the shirts were part of “math-themed Halloween costumes” and were not referencing any individual or event. Indeed, photos circulated on social media from the prior year appeared to show teachers wearing similar shirts.

“We understand that a recent social media post showing members of Cienega’s math department wearing shirts that say ‘Problem Solved’ has caused some confusion and concern,” Carruth said in a statement. “The shirts were worn in reference to solving math problems.”

UNIVERSITIES CRACK DOWN ON EMPLOYEE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS CELEBRATING, DEFENDING KIRK’S DEATH

Advertisement

Kolvet released a new statement acknowledging that the costumes had been worn before Kirk was assassinated in Utah in September but still objected to the message he said they sent.

“Vail Schools said these math teachers wore the same costume last year,” Kolvet wrote on X. “I was waiting for confirmation, and it appears they did.

“We’ve seen enough evil since Charlie’s murder that I’d actually be relieved if this isn’t another example,” he continued. “That being said, it’s a very weird costume for teachers in general, but after what happened to Charlie, I’m absolutely floored they wore it again.”

Carruth apologized and said the shirts would not be worn again.

“This is a hard lesson for all of us that more thought and care need to be taken in these times. Please know that lesson has been learned,” Carruth said. “We also want to express concern that some individuals are being targeted online as a result of this misunderstanding. Personal attacks or threats against staff are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of our community.”

Advertisement

‘I MARRIED THE LOVE OF MY LIFE’: ERIKA KIRK WEEPS WHILE WATCHING VIDEO OF LATE HUSBAND

Kolvet, however, questioned the district’s explanation, noting that the red dye appeared only on the left side of the shirts — the same side where Kirk was fatally shot Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Andrew Kolvet, Turning Point USA spokesperson, speaks during the public memorial service for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., Sept. 21. (Patrick Fallon via Getty Images)

“Who’s buying this explanation?” Kolvet questioned.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

Neither Cienaga High School nor Carruth immediately responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Southwest

Off-duty Texas deputy fatally shoots man allegedly trying to enter car with his small child inside

Published

on

Off-duty Texas deputy fatally shoots man allegedly trying to enter car with his small child inside

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A deadly shooting unfolded in Texas Friday when an off-duty Harris County deputy opened fire on a man who allegedly tried to get into his car, as his young child sat just feet away.

The shooting happened at about 2:45 p.m. Friday in Atascocita, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Houston, after an off-duty deputy called 911 to tell them he had someone at gunpoint, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Maj. Ben Katrib said the deputy had just placed his child in a car seat when an unknown man, later identified as Darrius Williams, 27, allegedly attempted to get into his car.

First responders provided aid at the scene, but the suspect later died at the hospital. (Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4)

Advertisement

2 MEN CLAIMING TO BE POLICE SHOT, KILLED BY HOMEOWNER, AUTHORITIES SAY

The deputy was heard giving multiple verbal commands to Williams, but he allegedly ignored the warnings and opened the passenger door of the deputy’s car.

Katrib said the deputy opened fire, hitting Williams multiple times.

First responders provided aid, but Williams was later pronounced dead at the hospital, FOX 26 Houston reported.

The shooting happened outside the off-duty deputy’s home, according to officials. (KRIV)

Advertisement

VIDEO SHOWS YOUTH BASEBALL PLAYERS RUNNING FOR COVER AS SHOTS RING OUT AT GAME

Officials said the deputy, who has not been publicly identified, and his child are OK.

It is unclear if Williams had any weapons at the time of the alleged intrusion, or how many times he was shot, according to the report.

Williams’ mother, Tieneeshia, said her son was released from jail Thursday night and was struggling with mental health issues.

Officials said the deputy has not yet been charged in connection to the shooting, as authorities continue to investigate. (Google Maps)

Advertisement

HOUSTON YOUTH BASEBALL COACH SHOT DURING PREGAME PRAYER WITH PLAYERS; 3 SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY

“Last night they picked him up for walking into oncoming traffic and ran his name. So he had a warrant for failure to appear from the last episode,” Tieneeshia Williams said. “The officer called me when she was there with him on the scene and asked me a lot of questions, and I said, ‘Ma’am, why don’t you just take him to the psychiatric ward. He’s walking into traffic.’ She said, ‘Oh no, we’re going to deal with this warrant, he’s going to jail.’”

Sources told FOX 26 Ring camera video footage may have captured the incident.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The sheriff’s office and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office have opened separate investigations into the incident, according to the report.

Advertisement

When the investigation concludes, the DA’s office will present the findings to a grand jury to determine whether charges will be filed.

Read the full article from Here

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Southwest

Teen allegedly kills three University of Arizona students in Porsche hit-and-run crash

Published

on

Teen allegedly kills three University of Arizona students in Porsche hit-and-run crash

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Three University of Arizona students are dead after police said a speeding, impaired 19-year-old driver behind the wheel of a Porsche allegedly hit them in a marked crosswalk near campus and drove off into the night Thursday.

The alleged driver of the Porsche, Louis John Artal, 19, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, according to the Tucson Police Department (TPD).

At about 11 p.m. Thursday, TPD officers, the University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD) and Tucson firefighters responded to North Euclid Avenue and East Second Street for reports of multiple pedestrians hit by a car.

When officers and firefighters arrived, they pronounced Sophia Akimi Troetel, 21, and Josiah Patrick Santos, 22, dead at the scene.

Advertisement

The alleged driver of the Porsche, Louis John Artal, 19, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident involving death. (Pima County Sheriff’s Department)

HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER KILLS TOURIST IN NYC AFTER STRIKING COUPLE ON STREET, SAY WITNESSES

A third pedestrian, later identified as Katya Rosaura Castillo Mendoza, 21, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries in critical condition. 

She was pronounced dead at the hospital Saturday, according to officials.

The University of Arizona confirmed to Fox News Digital all three victims were University of Arizona students.

Advertisement

The University of Arizona community is deeply saddened by the collision that claimed the lives of three of our students—Sophia Troetel, Josiah Santos and Katya Castillo-Mendoza,” school officials wrote in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, loved ones, and all who are grieving these young lives cut tragically short. The university is providing support and resources to students, faculty, and staff affected by this devastating loss.”

A GoFundMe campaign was set up for two of the victims, Josiah Patrick Santos and Sophia Akimi Troetel, by family members.

‘CAREER CRIMINAL’ KILLS TWO WOMEN, INJURES CHILD IN MINNEAPOLIS CARJACKING RAMPAGE: PROSECUTORS

Witness interviews, along with roadway and physical evidence, indicated a 2019 Porsche Boxter was traveling north on Euclid Avenue approaching East Second Street above the posted 30 mph speed limit, according to police.

At that time, Troetel, Santos and Mendoza were walking east across North Euclid Avenue inside a marked crosswalk at East Second Street.

Advertisement

The Porsche did not stop, struck the pedestrians and fled the scene, officials allege. Artal turned himself into Tucson police Friday morning.

A TPD officer with the agency’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit evaluated Artal and found he was impaired by alcohol and or drugs at the time of the crash, according to authorities.

“Mr. Artal’s impairment, speeding, and failure to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk are the major contributing factors of this collision,” the department wrote in a statement. “This investigation remains ongoing, and any additional information may be released at a later date as it becomes available.”

Three University of Arizona students were killed during the wreck. (Epics/Getty Images)

FAMILIES CLAIM TEEN MURDER SUSPECT WAS ‘PLOTTING’ DEADLY HIT-AND-RUN FOR MONTHS BEFORE KILLING TWO GIRLS

Advertisement

Artal was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center and later granted a $250,000 cash bond, according to jail records.

Santos’ sister, Mathia, set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the family, with his mother, Hope, noting he and Troetel were in a relationship.

“Last night, my beautiful son Josiah and his girlfriend Sophia were taken from us far too soon,” Hope wrote in a statement on the site. “They were young, full of life, love, and promise—ready to begin their future together. Josiah sang, he danced, he acted — he lit up every room he entered and brought laughter to everyone who knew him. Sophia matched his warmth with a beautiful soul and a smile that could brighten the darkest day.”

“The world feels dimmer without their light,” she continued. “Please keep our family, and Sophia’s, in your thoughts and prayers as we try to find our way through this heartbreak.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

As of Saturday night, the campaign had raised nearly $24,000.

There have been 26 pedestrian deaths in Tucson this year, surpassing the 25 total pedestrian deaths in the city in 2024.

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending