BREAKING NEWS: Judge declares mistrial in agent’s murder case

Published/Last Modified on Friday, Mar 07, 2008 - 03:35:14 pm MST

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Herald/Review staff report

TUCSON — Judge David Bury declared a mistrial Friday in Border Patrol Agent Nicholas Corbett’s murder trial.

The jury told the judge that it was deadlocked and would not be able to come to an agreement. The U.S. District Court judge then declared a mistrial.

The mistrial was called after jurors spent more than two days discussing the case.

On Thursday afternoon, Bury almost declared a mistrial after the jurors sent a note stating they were experiencing a tough time making a decision, but he decided instead to give them more time.

Corbett is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and negligent homicide of Francisco Dominguez-Rivera, a Mexican who was illegally entering the United States near Naco last year. Corbett claims he acted out of self-defense.

For more on this story, see Saturday’s Herald/Review.

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Stop the Insanity! wrote on Mar 8, 2008 5:38 AM:

" This man should have been acuitted! It is an absolutely ridiculous waste of taxpayer money to continue pursuing this. The only right an illegal alien should have is the promise of a firm boot back to his/her own country! "

Good Grief wrote on Mar 7, 2008 7:49 PM:

" Drop the charges Cochise County!! You are wasting our tax payers dollars! The man was doing his job,"protecting our Border", and this man killed was breaking our laws. If the roll was reversed and the illegal shot the border patrol agent, THE CASE WOULD NOT HAVE GONE TO TRIAL, THEY WOULD HAVE JUST SHIPPED HIM BACK TO MEXICO!!!! Why are we the only country that protects illegal immigrants who BREAK our laws! Enough with the Civil Rights for the illegals! WHERE ARE OUR RIGHTS!! "

CB wrote on Mar 7, 2008 5:50 PM:

" While I was disappointed that Agent Corbett did not receive a Not Guilty verdict, I am glad that he is still free. Agent Corbett does not need to go through this charade again. The County needs to leave this be. A re-trial would be anther huge cost to the Taxpayers of Cochise County. I for one want my tax dollars spent better in this County. "

Eddie Leon wrote on Mar 7, 2008 5:12 PM:

" This case is a loser folks. Wasting more tax money, time, and resources to prosecute this agent for doing his job is ridiculous. All that was accomplished at this trial is Grant Woods got to do a lot of political grandstanding on Cochise County taxpayers' dime. That's it. DROP IT! "

Federico Loya wrote on Mar 7, 2008 5:10 PM:

" Who pray tell being of sound mind and knowing right versus wrong would join the Border Patrol. Risking life, limb and sanity while protecting their fellow man.
Then to be held up ridiculed, crucified and most likely be imprisoned for doing the job of protecting the very people who find him guilty of doing his dangerous job.
What next? "

KK wrote on Mar 7, 2008 5:09 PM:

" I sure don't envy those jurors. Must have been high anxiety in the jury room. Imagine finding 12 random Arizonans who could come to a verdict based on what we've seen in the news! Seems impossible. Probably not any easier based on courtroom testimony. "

Mark C. wrote on Mar 7, 2008 4:41 PM:

" We deserve another trial, Corbett should pay for his crime if he's guilty or be vindicated if he's innocent. "

KB wrote on Mar 7, 2008 4:33 PM:

" Awesome! "

Agree with No more wrote on Mar 7, 2008 4:17 PM:

" Absolutely this needs to be done and over with. Another trial will only waste the taxpayers money and do absolutely no good.... Corbett should have been acquitted, but since that didn't happen, let's be done with it. "

Michael wrote on Mar 7, 2008 3:52 PM:

" A total injustice. I cannot believe it. He should have been acquited. "

No more wrote on Mar 7, 2008 3:43 PM:

" People of Cochise county, get the prosecutor to drop this. Another trial isn't going to do anyone any good. "