Connect with us

Arizona

Arizona man convicted of California cartel-related murders: DA

Published

on

Arizona man convicted of California cartel-related murders: DA


A man with Arizona ties has been convicted in California for his role in multiple murders.

In a statement, officials with the District Attorney’s Office in California’s Orange County announced that 33-year-old Raul Gastellum Flores of Phoenix was convicted by a jury on April 29 of four counts of first-degree murder, four “special circumstances of murder during the commission of a robbery,” and four “special circumstances of multiple murders.”

Advertisement

According to the website for the law offices of Cron, Israels & Stark in Los Angeles, special circumstances murder involves aggravating factors that escalate the severity of the come to more severe penalties.

Flores was accused of killing four men in a failed attempt to take over a drug business. The four were identified as Fernando Meza, Edgar Berrelleza, Antonio Medina, and Joel Berrelleza, Edgar’s brother.

Officials say of the four victims, Meza, Medina, and Berrelleza were found inside a burnt SUV in the city of Orange on the afternoon of Nov. 9, 2015. The men were shot multiple times, and Meza was also found to have been stabbed several times.

Advertisement

((U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Barron))

Berrelleza’s brother, meanwhile, was kidnapped at an apartment in Orange before his death.

Advertisement

“Flores and another accomplice forced Joel Berrelleza into his Pontiac, where he was shot three times as they drove and recorded his dying breaths on a cell phone,” read a portion of the DA’s statement. “[Joel Berrelleza’s] body was left inside his vehicle in Fontana for six days until a passerby called police to report a man had been sleeping inside the vehicle for several days.”

Prosecutors say Flores was recruited by a man named Rosario Adan Roman-Lopez to help carry out the murders, and that Flores traveled from Phoenix to Orange County “with several handguns and Ak-47s to steal tens of thousands of dollars from the Berrelleza brothers, and to murder them if they refused to pay.” Roman-Lopez is believed to have been murdered in Mexico in retribution for the murders.

“[Flores] faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. He is scheduled to be sentenced July 19, 2024,” read a portion of the statement.

Advertisement

(This story was reported on from Phoenix.)



Source link

Arizona

Texas-based Buc-ee’s reveals opening date for first Arizona store

Published

on

Texas-based Buc-ee’s reveals opening date for first Arizona store


play

Texas-born Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the country with its first Arizona location anticipated to open this summer.

The massive travel center will open in Goodyear, Arizona, on the corner of Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue on Monday, June 22, the city revealed in a social media post, which warned travelers to expect traffic delays and carry plenty of water, snacks and gas.

Advertisement

Goodyear is located about 17 miles west of Downtown Phoenix.

“Opening day is expected to be a major event, drawing visitors from across AZ and neighboring states. Expect heavy, slow-moving traffic in the area and allow for extra travel time,” the post said.

In anticipation of the opening, the parking lot will open at midnight, while doors will open at 6 a.m. local time. There’s also a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be livestreamed on the City of Goodyear’s social media channels. The city also released a map to help with traffic flow.

The Goodyear Buc-ee’s will span 74,000 square feet, feature 120 fueling pumps, and will offer all the Buc-ee’s fan favorites, including Texas-style barbecue, homemade fudge, Beaver Nuggets, jerky, and freshly baked pastries.

“Buc-ee’s is a destination and 80% of its business comes from outside the city, which means it won’t take away from our existing businesses,” said Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo in a May 14 news release. “Buc-ee’s will add to the city’s revenue that helps pay for police, fire and streets.” 

Advertisement

Buc-ee’s opening in Ohio. Here are other new locations coming soon

Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the country, including in Mansfield, Ohio, USA TODAY reports.

Other openings include:

2026

  • San Marcos, Texas: July 27
  • Benton, Arkansas: Aug. 17

2027

  • Ruston, Louisiana
  • Kansas City, Kansas
  • Gallaway, Tennessee
  • St. Lucie, Florida
  • Boerne, Texas
  • Monroe County, Georgia

2028

  • Mebane, North Carolina
  • Lafayette, Louisiana

2029 and beyond

  • Ocala, Florida
  • West Memphis, Arkansas
  • Oak Grove, Kentucky
  • Hardeeville, South Carolina (2031)

Nearest Buc-ee’s to me

Locate the nearest Buc-ee’s using the store locator.

Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Arizona

Arizona budget pauses tax exemptions for new data centers

Published

on

Arizona budget pauses tax exemptions for new data centers


In Part Two of Arizona’s Family First Alert Weather Monsoon 2026 special, meteorologists Ian Schwartz and April Warnecke explore the beautiful yet incredibly dangerous nature of monsoon lightning.

Did you know the state of Arizona experiences an average of 600,000 lightning strikes every single year? Our team breaks down the science of how these strikes form and details the catastrophic threat of “dry lightning”—the leading spark behind some of our state’s most historic wildfires. We look back at the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire, which scorched 145,000 acres and destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, as well as the tragic Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013, which claimed the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots.

We also share the incredible survival story of hiker Scott Courtright, who was struck by a bolt of lightning while atop Humphreys Peak. While there is a 90% survival rate for lightning strikes, 80% of survivors suffer lifelong health impacts, including neurological damage, depression, and PTSD. Ian and April debunk common lightning safety myths (like the belief that rubber shoes or “Crocs” will protect you) and explain why you should avoid taking a shower or using corded electronics during a storm.

Plus, Jennifer Armbruster from the Arizona Humane Society joins us with her dog Bubbles to share vital summer safety tips for your pets. We highlight why it is actually illegal in the city of Phoenix to keep a dog tethered outdoors during a monsoon warning.

Advertisement

Finally, we look at the official climate outlook for the rest of the Monsoon 2026 season and explore how an emerging El Niño setup could bring much-needed rain—and cooler, cloud-covered days—to our dry desert.

Stay safe and stay weather aware this monsoon season. Watch the full episode now!



Source link

Continue Reading

Arizona

Arizona police make arrest around Nancy Guthrie’s home

Published

on

Arizona police make arrest around Nancy Guthrie’s home


Local law enforcement in Arizona are increasing efforts to address unlawful behaviors from visitors in the neighborhood where Nancy Guthrie resided. Following Guthrie’s disappearance from her home on January 31st, residents have reported a surge in dubious activities, prompting the sheriff’s office to take action.


Posted
6/9/2026, 5:23:15 PM



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending