Today's Weather

Click for Sierra Vista, Arizona Forecast

Homepage » News

Civil action sought against BP agent

Family wants $7.5 million in wrongful death claim

By Jonathon Shacat
Herald/Review
Published/Last Modified on Monday, Dec 08, 2008 - 10:58:13 pm MST

Print this story Email this story

Font Size

BISBEE — A law firm representing the parents of a Mexican man killed by Border Patrol Agent Nicholas Corbett recently submitted a $7.5 million claim notice, which is a prelude to filing a lawsuit, against him and the government.

Meanwhile, a personal lawsuit against Corbett is expected to be filed separately today in federal court in Tucson.

The federal tort claim, dated Dec. 2, is brought against Corbett for causing wrongful death, and against the Homeland Security Department, Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Justice Department for negligently employing Corbett.

“Agent Corbett, while acting within the course and scope of his agency with the United States Border Patrol, negligently and/or wrongfully shot and killed decedent. At the time of the shooting, decedent showed no resistance to agent Corbett’s demands and was on his knees in a submissive position,” states the document.

The claim seeks a total of $7.5 million, including $2.75 million for the victim’s father Renato Ariza Dominguez, $2.75 million for the victim’s mother Maria Clara Leonor Rivera Cordero, and $2 million for the estate of the deceased.

The document alleges that witness statements as well as the autopsy and ballistic analysis contradict Corbett’s version of the story. It says the death could have been avoided if Corbett was not negligent or did not act wrongfully.

The document also states the government should have known Corbett was involved in numerous incidents of misconduct that made him an inappropriate person to be a Border Patrol agent, such as assaulting a man in Pennsylvania, committing domestic violence and voicing his hatred of Mexicans.The assault and domestic violence claims did not result in convictions.

Corbett went on trial twice this year in federal court in Tucson on criminal charges of negligent homicide, manslaughter and second-degree murder for the death of Dominguez-Rivera, an illegal immigrant, near Naco on Jan. 12, 2007.

Both trials resulted in mistrials due to hung juries. Prosecutors have not officially decided whether or not they will take the case to trial a third time.

During the trials, Corbett claimed he shot Dominguez-Rivera in an act of self-defense to prevent the victim from smashing his head with a rock.

On Monday, Sean Chapman, the lead defense attorney representing Corbett in the criminal case, said “I have no comment” regarding the federal tort claim.

Bud Tuffly, president of the Local 2544 National Border Patrol Council in Tucson, said he could not comment specifically on the document because he has not seen it, but he said the union will continue to support Corbett.

“We will stand behind him 100 percent and we will defend him through this civil action as well,” he said. “We are not going to back down.”

Federal government officials named in the tort claim could not be reached for comment on Monday, including Annmarie Highsmith, associate chief counsel for the Homeland Security Department’s Customs and Border Protection.

On Monday, attorney Federico Castelan Sayre, of the law firm in Santa Ana, Calif., that submitted the federal tort claim, said a lawsuit for negligent hiring and supervision eventually will be filed. For now, the parties involved are given a period of six months in which to respond to the claim, he added.

Also, Sayre said, a civil rights lawsuit will be filed against Corbett today in U.S. District Court in Tucson in a way that allows federal officers to be sued in the same fashion as state officers. He said that filing is “basically receiving the final touches.” Rick Gonzales, a Tuscon attorney, will be the local counsel, with assistance by Sayre.

Sayre, who was born and raised in Tucson and graduated from the University of Arizona, practices law in California. He represented Rodney King against the City of Los Angeles, which resulted in a $3.8 million verdict, and has worked with Gonzales in the past.

Herald/Review reporter Jonathon Shacat can be reached at 515-4693 or by e-mail at jonathon.shacat@bisbeereview.net.

Print this story Email this story

Font Size

Use the form below to post a brief comment to this story, or respond to other readers. Please use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.
Comments appear once they are approved. Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

Disgusted Agent wrote on Feb 2, 2009 8:52 AM:

" If you dont know what is like to be in danger and encounter these people, dont post stupid and nonesense comments. We get in trouble, for doing our jobs, by our own management members that want to make a name of themselves. Agents are restricted and encouraged not to do their job. The few that do it get in trouble just like Nick. Thanks Local 2544 for your support and Nick keep your head up.... "

US.Citizen wrote on Dec 23, 2008 10:50 PM:

" WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I must say that 7.5 million is alot of moneyfor the loss of a loved one. He was shot and killed trying to better his family,life ect.....Run down on the Border....I am sure that there are many good agents in AZ....But it only takes one to ruin it for all,,, thats what has happened here on this date.....Border Patrol around the states now thinkt that they can get away with stuff. Please continue to protect and not be subjected to these slander words...... "

Simple wrote on Dec 23, 2008 10:15 PM:

" Better odds than winning the lottery. "

Agree with George wrote on Dec 23, 2008 9:33 AM:

" Obviously we got an independent thinker for once and bases his comments on intellingence and facts as opposed to racist rhetoric. Thanks George, you only spoke the truth and its a sad shame that some "Federal Agents" think they are above the law and that includes harrassment on streets, speeding at will, lack of respect for others and over stepping their limited bounds of authority. It only takes a few bad apples to tarnish what should be an honorable and dignified law enforcement position. BUT - Vanity has been allowed to infest the BP. "

George wrote on Dec 23, 2008 9:01 AM:

" To "To George." Yes and No. "

To George wrote on Dec 22, 2008 11:27 PM:

" Are you the same George that convicts Corbett in his own mind earlier on this post string? You can't have it both ways where you're able to dismiss someone elses opinion that Corbett is innocent, but you can convict him with your opinion. That is very hypocritical. It comes across as pure bias and hatred of the Border Patrol. Oh, unless you were an eyewitness? "

Now the Government Should Step In wrote on Dec 22, 2008 3:50 PM:

" and represent him in the civil trial! As he's NOT been convicted of a criminal offense, Officer Corbett can be SHIELDED RIGHT NOW from further civil liability by requesting what's called a certification and substitution. First, his bossess must say, and the US Attorney has to agree, that Officer Corbett was IN THE LINE OF DUTY. Then, the US Government can substitute the Federal Government in place of Officer Corbett's in the lawsuit. This can and should be done immediately!!! "

George wrote on Dec 22, 2008 11:18 AM:

" To - Federal Agent. Were you present at the shooting? Most citizens are reasonably familiar with BP training and objectives, one being not to violate someone's civil (human) rights. If you were not an eyewitness, you can certainly opine that the deceased may have been trying to kill a Federal Agent, but that does not necessarily make it so since it was not proven, or disproven. Thanks for your service. "

Stupid wrote on Dec 21, 2008 2:50 PM:

" Someone came into this country (that didnt belong here in the first place) then decided to come after someone who works to keep our country safe and up hold our border. He defends himself and now the parents from another country are going to get 7.5 from us? Thats just dumb. Whoever is helping this aliens parents should go be lawyers in Mexico and leave the US to the people who care about out country. Maybe this should be a lesson to all the aliens that think they can assault a US federal agent. I still vote for an electricfence. "

David wrote on Dec 20, 2008 6:31 AM:

" (con't:) Until the USA becomes a soveriegn nation, it will be doomed to further enchroachment of Marxism, the threat of the NASU, the loss of all cultural identities, and the one world government of the UN. We get a chance to start to fix this in 2 years IF we still exist. Fire everybody in Congress as we can, reduce the size of the government by 50%, reduce the salaries of Congress 75% and elect some people to do the work of the people. Not those who would be king, queen, duke and earl. "

Federal Agent wrote on Dec 19, 2008 10:43 PM:

" I am a Border Patrol Agent. I spend every day giving my all to catch and deter human smuggling and drug traficking. I have recieved extensive training in defensive techniques and shooting tactics as did Corbett. I can tell you with out a doubt that no agent goes out there and says lets see whose civil rights I can violate today. If the illegal alien (who broke the law) wasn't here committing a crime and trying to kill a Federal Agent, he would have never been shot. Lesson don''t try to kill Federal Agents "

To Informed wrote on Dec 19, 2008 2:38 PM:

" Obviously you are not very informed. Probably not very smart either. Ethnicity is not the problem ..there will always be people of various ethnic groups in this country and there will always be Free Enterprize as long as the problem - which is racists like you r words imply are kept in check. No matter how much you may not like it, you can't go around playing deputy and doing what you want. It takes civilized law to keep the likes of you in order and sometimes you still don't get it. Watch Out!!! "

Transferred BP Agent wrote on Dec 19, 2008 7:42 AM:

" Perhaps Arizona is getting the least amount of new Border Patrol agents because who is going want to accept the position in a state that is going to charge you for murder when you have you to defend yourself at work? Why should the Border Patrol send more sacrificial lambs to a state that wants to be over run by illegal human and drug smuggling? The more agents the Border Patrol sends down to Arizona, the more unfair prosecutions against them. I gladly took a transfer out of Cochise so I wasn't the next crazy prosecution. "

Stop with the video wrote on Dec 18, 2008 10:41 PM:

" Obviously you have not seen the video if you think it proves a thing. I've literally watched it about 30 times and I cant' tell you a thing about what happened. Anyone who has seen the video will tell you its worthless. Heck, I can't even tell you for sure it was a Border Patrol agent there, expect for Agent Corbett admitting it was him in the video. I can't tell its a Border Patrol vehicle and I can't even tell how many people are present in the video. "

to What The wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:37 PM:

" If you haven't yet noticed- for some reason Arizona has the least amount of newly hired BP agents. In an area where we have the MOST drug trafficking/ human smuggling this is truly ironic. Hmmmm..... We the People are not in charge anymore. I am not sure who is, but it isn't us. We all ask the questions, and to that we get more confusion- It might be that We need to do something on Washington, together. THEY marched on the day without a Mexican. Why don't we march for the day without us Americans?!?! PS-I'm bringing my shotgun. "

informed wrote on Dec 18, 2008 9:31 PM:

" www.hnba.com/mc/page.do is the site of the hispanic national bar association- news to me! that's prob. the mex. equiv to the naacp. The gonzales firm has an attorney who served as a supreme court judge in Arizona helping them. Their email address (in case you might want to send them a thank you card or present) is info@gonzaleslaw.com. Their site address is www.gonzaleslaw.com. This is what happens when we allow ethnic "minorities" to gain the majority. Will they afford us the same assistance when they're in charge????? "

To US Citizen wrote on Dec 18, 2008 5:26 PM:

" Come-ON .. The agents life in jeopardy??? His life was in jeopardy about as far as I can throw my refrigerator. Get REAL. Look at the video evidence that was ignored. It won't be ignored in Civil Court. The lawyers will make sure to that! "

To Sergio... wrote on Dec 18, 2008 4:19 PM:

" Good luck with that. What would you do with it if you could actually get it back? Mexico is a 3rd world dump that can't support its people. The proof is in lawsuits like this one and in the plethora of illegals leaving that dump of a country. "

sergio wrote on Dec 18, 2008 2:28 PM:

" America belongs to the Mexicans and we will take it back one lawsuit at a time. "

Support wrote on Dec 17, 2008 12:19 PM:

" Hey Corbett, how about you sueing Larry Dever, the Sheriff's Office, Ed Rheinheimer, and the County Attorney's Office for the injustice thay have caused you. Oh yeah and the Country of Mexico for encouraging their people to cross illegally into the USA! "

To US Citizen wrote on Dec 17, 2008 10:24 AM:

" I believe the Truth, whether your a Mexican or Polish. US Citizen or Not, the truth deserves to be preserved. Judging against a person because of where he's from is wrong. Your Wrong. YOU go accross the border where you came from .. which is most likely an ocean for you. I am more a US Citizen than you. "

Another US Citizen wrote on Dec 16, 2008 7:07 PM:

" That illegal got what he deserved for trying to heave a rock at Corbett, and I hope that his parents and their scum lawyers. get what they deserve too, absolutely nothing. "

US Citizen wrote on Dec 16, 2008 2:14 PM:

" Sounds to me like you would take a foreigner's word over the word of those who should be your fellow Brother's. And you call yourself a US Citizen? You might need to rethink what country you really want to be a national of, because you obviously have no loyalty to anyone here in the good ol USA. How dare you even consider that an ILLEGAL ALIEN was even in the right without thinking of OUR Agent's life being in jeopardy. Do us all a favor and move across the border. I got one name for you, TRAITOR!!!! "

To US Citizen wrote on Dec 16, 2008 9:24 AM:

" No, I dont think being a US citizen is not just being polite. But I am a citizen that is proud to live in a country that still has civil rights. Those rights under the constitution are there for a reason. Having civil rights doesn't mean you can go around shooting people or abusing your official "sworn in" duty. Nobody in this case got mocked or stepped on either, other than the parents of the man shot down. Sounds like your loyal and proud on yourself not Country. That's not a US Citizen in my book. "

US Citizen wrote on Dec 16, 2008 8:25 AM:

" to to US Citizen, because I have LOYALTY and PRIDE for my country. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels the same. Call it what you want, but I'm tired of our Country and Citizens being taken advantage of by other nationals. Sounds as if you may be a "human rights" activist or anti-war protestor. What a shame. It seems that you think that being a US Citizen means having to sit back and be polite while being stepped on and mocked. Sorry I don't fit your character of a US Citizen, but you don'tfit mineeither. "

What the wrote on Dec 16, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Suing for "negligent hiring"? What, because the BP hired somebody who was doing his job and used his firearms training to save his own life it's now "negligent hiring"? Does the Mexican government and these bleeding heart "there's no such thing as borders" morons want the BP to hire unqualified people who will let them just march across the border whenever they want with no repercussions? I truly hate people some days. "

Hereford Resident wrote on Dec 16, 2008 8:09 AM:

" To Ray: The only difference is that OJ was guilty. This BP agent was doing his job and two juries could not find him guilty. OJ didn't even go to trial twice for the criminal suit. "

Curious point wrote on Dec 15, 2008 1:56 PM:

" In Corbett's preliminary hearing, the Mexicanconsulate basically stood up and said that they didn't recognize the U.S courts. I guess that's true unless there is millions in it for them "

Lee wrote on Dec 15, 2008 12:38 PM:

" Here we go again if they can't get the BP agent in the criminal courts then lets get him in the civil courts. The bottom line is the individuals that are sueing the BP are not even american citizens and should have no standing in a US court. Can we go down to a Mexican court and sue one of their citizens? I think not!!! "

To US Citizen wrote on Dec 15, 2008 11:49 AM:

" Sorry to say "citizen", but referring to people as idiots is not going to do you a bit of good. Sounds like you need an anger management class as you cant even control yourself on a blog. Nasty example of US Citizen. This country doesn't need you either, so why offend others. Idiot. "

Jimmy wrote on Dec 15, 2008 10:18 AM:

" Welcome to America! Here is a few million to start you off... And a few billion to bail them out... "

Ray wrote on Dec 14, 2008 9:37 AM:

" I guess someone learned something from the OJ trial!!! "

sv wrote on Dec 12, 2008 8:18 AM:

" How sad that the parents of this man have the right to sue this agent for doing his job since the man was breaking a federal law, threating a federal agent but his family who are not even holders of green cards much less have any rights in this country can sue Corbitt, maybe they should sue the mexican goverment for not doing a better job of taking care of their country and it's people. Next you know we will be getting sued for protecting other countries, it seems like we're not allowed to even protect our own anymore "

US Citizen wrote on Dec 12, 2008 7:52 AM:

" To open your eyes. Idiot. An Agent can lose his job just for domestic violence. Each Agent updates their security clearance every few years. Their finances must be up to par. So what makes you think the Agency would hire a liability? I believe the Agent over the illegal. What's with the green card? Where does your and your father's loyalty lie, since it sounds like you're not working on becoming a U.S. Citizen? Does your country not need your/your father's services more than us? We can do without you, thank you. "

svpatriot wrote on Dec 12, 2008 7:05 AM:

" TO "JAY" Here, we go right! Now the Border Patrol just malisciously ran you off the road, because he had nothing better to do. If that had been a Sheriff's Deputy or SVPD, you would have probably assumed it was an oversight for him to swerve into your lane. Honestly, you don't know what the agent was doing. Do you? As for your above the law comment, it doesn't seem like Ramos and Compean were given any special consideration, nor Corbett through two trials. how many trials would satisfy your bias? "

Get Real wrote on Dec 11, 2008 5:22 PM:

" Gee, I guess the juror that reported that everyone thought he was guilty and lied about what happened was dreaming. They just couldn't get beyond the "beyond a reasonable doubt"standard. They are the ones that have to live with their decision. I am thinking the civil trial will go a bit different. If he had only been truthful about what happened, the government would probably just have written a check and it would have been done. "

Civil Servant wrote on Dec 11, 2008 4:39 PM:

" When the justice system stinks, the civil courts are the only way for some justice. Remember OJ. "

Velez wrote on Dec 11, 2008 12:29 PM:

" If you all want the reality, please ask to ride with a BP Agent so you learn what they do. Get rocked, get shot, and get spit at by low life scums. Then, come over and share your new opinions. The Mexican Consulate is coaching the ilegals on what to say. Why then 6 were arrested and 3 are testifying? Because the other 3 were telling what really happened. "

Jay wrote on Dec 11, 2008 12:25 PM:

" Are BP agents above the law? I was nearly run over on the bypass this morning by a BP vehicle. I was in the right hand lane, and the driver swerved into my lane from the left lane. He ignored my horn, and I had to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. The vehicle had no emergency lights, and was speeding. He wasn't protecting anyone from anything, just knowingly ignoring the law. I suppose had there been an accident he should be found innocent because of -what??? "

SVPATRIOT wrote on Dec 11, 2008 12:12 PM:

" In all of this, I haven't seen anyone stand up and thank Agent Corbett for putting his life on the line. Unfortunately, in the past eight years it has become politically incorrect to stand up for what is right. The Border Patrol is an easy target, yet no one appreciates them until you have illegals in your backyard. I challenge anyone to go to the lobby of the Douglas Border Patrol Station and read the agent memorial album on display, highlighting brave Border Patrol Agents who have given their lives in the line of duty. "

Brenda wrote on Dec 11, 2008 10:36 AM:

" To Open your eyes. Why do you say "off YOUR streets?" Aren't they yours and your fathers streets too? Where did you get your nursing education? Did you pay for it? I bet you got student aid and grants from our government.
You just stereotyped yourself. An american hating mexican taking advantage of our country. Go back home!! "

Brenda wrote on Dec 11, 2008 10:32 AM:

" I bet the parents were approached by the blood-sucking lawyers. How patriotic of them. Let the public put them on notice by boycotting their business. Who wouldn't sue if you were being offered free representation and the chance to have all that money??? Plus the lawyers probably told them that they had to sue in order to get justice for their son. "

New to SV wrote on Dec 11, 2008 9:37 AM:

" What is the point of training Border Patrol agents, giving them a gun and then prosecuting them for doing the job they were hired for. Illegal Immigration is a huge problem in this state and these guys and women have a hard job to do and when they do it they risk getting sued, jailed, and darn near persecuted. LET THE BP DO THEIR JOBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you're a border patrol agent reading this.... let me say THANK YOU!!!! "

Courts messed up wrote on Dec 11, 2008 9:26 AM:

" All you pro-corbett can say what you want, but when the victims family win's the civil suit, the laughs will be on you who's kin type should go back accross a Sea rather than a virtual line. Your the ones that dont belong here, you have no respect and honor for a people that have served and died for this country just as much and even more in mortal combat. Hispanics per capita have the most medals of honor. Many of whom walked accross the line when there was no border. Corbett is cooked. "

Wow... wrote on Dec 11, 2008 6:26 AM:

" Open your eyes, I hope you aren't my nurse--you need to learn how to spell. That greatly increases the odds you will get my meds wrong!! Scary!!! Thanks, but no thanks! "

Langer wrote on Dec 11, 2008 12:44 AM:

" Can we get their addresses? I think we need to send them 7.5 million rocks. "

To Courts Messed Up wrote on Dec 11, 2008 12:42 AM:

" If you'd have read the news you'd have seen that the jury in the second trial was extremely diligent in doing their job. They actually studied the evidence closely, and for that they have my thanks. Eleven of them decided that based on that evidence Corbett was guilty of NOTHING! As for the first trial, there was never any confirmed count of the jury on any charge. "

To Open Your Eyes wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:57 PM:

" Corbett had never been arrested before joining the Border Patrol. Only one of the instances that the Herald dug up was before his hiring. The others likely were impacted by his having to shoot in self-defense and the stress of an unfair prosecution.
So you'd rather take the word of a man who on at least 2 occasions broke into your county? And threatened a U.S. federal agent. "

To open your eyes wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:26 PM:

" Please go back to Mexico and help your own people. We don't want you or need "your" help. You are not an asset but a drain. You haven't fixed anything but have abused a system. Go home and don't come back! "

To Open Your Eyes wrote on Dec 10, 2008 7:22 PM:

" People like you give the legal mexicans a bad name, and then wonder why you aren't liked that much. You would rather believe the illegal and his illegal kin, than a Border Patrol agent doing his job protecting us from the likes of your kin. "

USA wrote on Dec 10, 2008 7:06 PM:

" I would like to say I am sorry for what happened. But I never here Mexico saying sorry for all the people in the USA getting killed by illegals. What would happen if we started to go to Mexico illegally and picked up a rock at a federally and we got shot. Nothing would happen. Right now we need to focus on our economy and hope our judges in the US are not paid off to allow a law suit to win. "

Hereford wrote on Dec 10, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Yes, these are people but people who were illegal in our country You people need to learn our laws. If you were to pick up a rock at one of our sheriffs you people would have been shot. You the people(illegals) who want to get rich from the Americans. Forget it. You take our Social Security away from us and DES cant help the American teens who need it and don't get it. You will not win this Law suite.. "

To Courts messed up wrote on Dec 10, 2008 1:54 PM:

" It is because the 11-1 number in the first trial is made up. No proof was presented for any number. Only months after the mistrial did the Prosecutor randomly throw out a 10-2 guilty number. Until I see someone besides him lend credibility to that number, I think it is a joke. Also, don't forget the 11-1 the 2nd trial was for only negligant homicide. It was 12-0 on the two greater charges, 2nd degree murder and manslaughter. "

to courts messed up... wrote on Dec 10, 2008 1:44 PM:

" If either trials were "messed up" it has nothing to do with this story. This story is about people looking to get rich because their kid was killed while committing an illegal act. I have to agree with other posters, if he woulnd't have been committing that crime he would not have been in the position to lose his life in the first place. "

Open Your Eyes wrote on Dec 10, 2008 1:26 PM:

" Yes i would stand up for myself if "rocks" were being thrown. Look at this mans past he obviously was not a good candidate for this job i chose to believe the side of the illegal. And to the sierra vistan who said narc running mexicans a little biast don't you say? My father and i came from mexico, neither being a citizen, but holding a green card. Hes worked over 20 yrs at Department of Corrections keeping criminals of YOUR streets, and im a nurse keeping your citizens healty. Think twice before you slap a sterotype on us "

Courts Messed Up wrote on Dec 10, 2008 10:24 AM:

" The bottom line is the court in the 2nd trial messed up. The first mistrial was 11 to one on guilty. The second mistrial was opposite in 11-1 innocent. How can that happen. It is not logical and somehow the jurors were either threatened or coerced into two mistrials. Double Jeopardy has always been a successfull tactic of a flaw in the justice system. Thank God we still have civility in this land "

SV Booster wrote on Dec 10, 2008 9:27 AM:

" The system has been and is being played here to great effect with the support of the Libs. American citizens have no rights, illegals are running rampant, breaking laws and reaping cash benefits while bankrupting the social services. Throw all the politicians out, put in term limits and get it back to where elected "officials" are citizens coming forward to serve the country, not themselves. Maybe then we would have laws to serve the public, not voting blocks/constituencies!! In a right thinking system Corbett should be able to sue the Prosecutor for malfeasance!! "

David wrote on Dec 10, 2008 6:12 AM:

" Ok, I get it. Illegals sue for money damages, buy a ranch next to the last one awarded by the socialist courts, etc., etc., etc. Then they all join hands and declare themselves part of Mexico. Somebody warned us about crapola like this, the democratic republican system being used against itself to self destruct. The enemies within. Who was it, . . . . . .hmmmm, thinking, ....... oh yeah. . . . . . . .GW. . . . . .George Washington. "

New Border Policy... wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:04 PM:

" If you feel the parents deserve a chance in our court system, put them north of the border with a rock in their hand and send Corbett back into the field! And if you don't stand for our border patrol agents, feel free to stand infront of my truck anytime! God Bless America! That includes White, Black, Hispanic... "

Raymond wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:39 PM:

" Sorry, We need to close the border and all AID to Mexico PERIOD. NO Mexican is worth 7.5 million, if that ILLEGAL was worth it he would of came over here legally. Anyone that feels for this Illegal can pay out of his/her pocket. "

Agree wLanger wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:33 PM:

" What is even more scary is even though two juries could not convict because they prosecution could not prove their case, people still think he is guilty. America is not America no more, people will refuse the facts just to stereotype and label the BP--the good guys. Sheesh. All to support those who are breaking the law. Gives you some insight into who these people are who are making these comments. Probably all law breakers themselves. "

The Wall wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:10 PM:

" I hope these rats, along with their attorneys, do not get a penny. "

Winston Smith wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:09 PM:

" This is where the Judges ruling of a Mistrial rather than an aquital is important. 11-1 for aquittal is an aquittal not a mistrial. Who appointed this moron judge "

Langer wrote on Dec 9, 2008 6:43 PM:

" There's a reason the term shyster is usually used in relation to lawyers, and this is just another good example. Mr lawyer talks about filing negligent hiring and supervision charges but I bet he doesn't plan to file them against Dominguez-Rivera's boss who was given a free pass but who should be considered at least partially responsible for him coming back illegally. The attorney and family all deserve a good spanking. "

Langer wrote on Dec 9, 2008 6:35 PM:

" Once again, we have commenters who are able to transport themselves back in time to view things that didn't show up on videotape and couldn't be substantiated by the evidence that wasn't collected at the scene.

If they'd read the requests of the last jury and the responses of the two jurors who gave their impressions they might be a little better informed.

Or maybe they don't want to corrupt their opinions with facts. "

USA Border Agents wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:16 PM:

" I hope this gets kicked out of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA courts! Again,USA not Mexico! Mr Corbett was hired to defend our country! By the way, when will the two other agents get out of jail in Texas for shooting the drug dealer. These cases could have been avoided-Stay in Mexico, or become legal! Illegals should have no rights in the USA!!! "

I have a dream wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:11 PM:

" I look forward to the day when people would be judged by the "context of their character." Are all whites racist? Are all Mexican's innocent? And should only blacks become president? No, seriously, if I didn't vote for Obhma, does that automatically mean I'm racist? And, no matter how much time has past, a women is still judged by her appearance. "

To Open your eyes wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:44 PM:

" You need to open your eyes. It is the word of this illegal's family that he was on his knees. You are choosing to believe them. Two juries did NOT. Border Patrol agents are not supposed to sit there and take abuse, they are allowed to defend themselves. What a silly idea to say that they should have to suffer abuse. Care to stand there while you get hit with a rock? I promise you, you will defend yourself too. "

Here the lawyers go again wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:34 PM:

" I think my name shows how I feel. Our tax dollars will be spent defending more of our tax dollars. I wish had relatives who could come here illegally. One more thing, if a soldier kills a suicide bomber before he can fulfill his mission, is the suicide bombers family allowed compenstation...NOT. "

SierraVistan wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:33 PM:

" I think every Mexican that wants to come into the US should have to pay into a recovery fund. Each time an illegal, his family or his narco trafficking bosses file a suit against a BP agent, that fund would pay for the agent's attorneys and for whatever losses the agent or the US government incurrs as a result of such a suit. The fund could also be used to re-imburse our school districts and hospitals who are forced to treat and educate illegal immigrants and their families. "

SierraVistan wrote on Dec 9, 2008 3:22 PM:

" Another example of why we need tort reform. Here are a couple of lawyers pouncing on the opportunity to pay for another vacation home somewhere. Those Porsches and Lambourghinis don't come cheap in Los Angeles, but hey, Uncle Sam has deep pockets. I wonder why we US Citizens don't find us a law firm to file a class action law suit against the Mexican givernment for not keeping their people in Mexico and taking care of their own citizens. "

huh wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:55 PM:

" Let sue the parents of the ILLEGAL immigrant for knowingly and negligently allowing their son to commit a crime against the United States Government.

Seems to me that "the death could have been avoided if *Dominguez-Rivera* and his parents were not negligent or did not act wrongfully." "

RE OJ wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:23 PM:

" When OJ was tried in a civil case I was livid. He'd been found not guilty so to turn around and try him in a civil case seemed like double jeopardy. So does this. It should not be allowed. Any judge worth his salt will throw it out. "

Ghost writer wrote on Dec 9, 2008 2:16 PM:

" It is the American way. If you can spill coffee on yourself and sue MacDonalds because you spilled it on yourself and got burned why not this. "

Sherry wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:39 AM:

" How about we arrest the parents for not being in the country legally either. Oh, I'm sorry that might be following the law. These liberal bleeding hearts make me sick. "

huh wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:10 AM:

" I thought we passed a law a few years back that said illegals can't sue in civil courts. "

Great post... wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:40 AM:

" "Sounds like a plan" hit the nail on the head. "Welcome to the new Arizona Lottery". If our judicial system allows this lawsuit to go through it will open the doors for every ILLEGAL that gets hurt or the ILLEGAL's family (if the ILLEGAL dies) to sue. A strong message needs to be sent over the border that this will not be tolerated. "

Open Your Eyes wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:20 AM:

" I don't believe they should receive any money either, but nor do i believe their son dieing was right. Illegal? Yes he was, but that gives no right to shoot a man and kill him when he was down on his knees with his arms in the air. Border Patrol is supposed to protect our border not kill people. They could of arrested him and sent him back alive. In my opinion send Corbett to jail and follow US rules manslaughter is a crime. I'm pretty sure you'd be upset too if they killed your son. "

Why so angry wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:48 AM:

" Why all the angry comments? No one was angry during OJ Simpson's civil trial for killing Nicole and her friend. He was found not guilty in the criminal trial and guilty in the later civil trial. People have the right to sue whether they are citizens or not, whether they are commiting a crime or not(illegal entry is not even a felony, its a misdomeanor). If you don't like the american legal system, elect a congress that will change it. You just don't like the result on this case. That is prejudice. "

New news wrote on Dec 9, 2008 9:25 AM:

" THATCHER, Ariz. - Officials in Arizona say a county sheriff has been shot during a traffic stop but is expected to survive. A sheriff's dispatcher tells KATO radio that Graham County Sheriff Frank Hughes was hit in the abdomen by a blast from a .410-gauge shotgun but was wearing his bulletproof vest. "

To the U.S. Govt wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:53 AM:

" I know you have a way of just settling cases to not deal with them, but this case should not be settled for a single dollar. I don't care how long it takes to defeat this lawsuit, but please do it. Agent Corbett does not deserve the slightest doubt to him being innocent by you settling a case and giving these people anything. "

Mike wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:38 AM:

" You folks who keep saying that the tragedy could have been avoided if the illegal immigrant had not been here in the first place are absolutely brilliant! "

Harold wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:33 AM:

" To Please. You have as much chance as I or anyone else of sitting on any jury. What is your point? We all know how you would vote, so what? "

Margaret wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:29 AM:

" To "Sounds like a plan." He did not survive, how can it be a great deal? What a juvenile remark. "

George wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:25 AM:

" I agree with Porter M. Corn. Corbett is getting away with it, just as OJ did in the first criminal trial. Perhaps some justice can now be realized with a civil suit. Yeah, yeah, we all know the illegal immigrant's status, but all human beings have certain specific rights. One of them is not to get shot without justification. At a minimum, Corbett should have been convicted of negligent homicide. And no, I wasn't there, but that's my opinion. "

to Porter Corn wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:08 AM:

" So what makes you the smartest man in the room? What do you know or see that 12 jurors did not? Perhaps it is just your extreme bias against the Border Patrol or blind belief that everyone coming from Mexico is a good person just looking for work. Get informed before you judge a man to be guilty that is not. "

Sounds like a plan wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:05 AM:

" So if I break into someone's house and get shot, as long as I can survive, maybe I can get 7.5 million for myself. Sounds like a great deal. I'm sure Mexico's citizens will see it the same way. Welcome to the new Arizona lottery. "

Sweet T wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:03 AM:

" The death could have been avoided if the illegal hadn't been trying to illegally enter the United States of America! With any luck this will be tied up in courts for 100's of years with changes of venues etc. These loser lawyers will spend their own money chasing pipe dreams. "

Please wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:03 AM:

" Let me be on that jury. "

Emily wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:45 AM:

" I guess that's how much their "beloved" son's life is worth. They are nothing but gold diggers, they sure as heck wouldn't be suing the Mexican government for this. If they should be suing anyone it should be the "Coyote" that brought them here, Agent Corbett was just doing his job... "

SierraVistan wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:36 AM:

" Here we go again. "

kcs wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:26 AM:

" If I express my real feelings concerning this entire situation, I'm sure I would be branded a racist, radical politically incorrect redneck. I'll just simply say...don't give these criminal thugs one red penny and let Agent Corbett go so he can get back to work protecting our border. "

Pauly wrote on Dec 9, 2008 6:04 AM:

" Oh big surprize there. Ya don't have a case but you still want the money! I hope you get what you deserve - nothing but legal fees. Or are they pro-bono? "

PO ed American wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:41 AM:

" I think all of us should sue the Mexican Government for mental distress and undew hardship for all the problems the illegals are causing in OUR country. Especially in the medical and finacial field. This is unbeliveable. But I was waitng for it to happen. People like that always want something from a death. That wouldn't have happened if they didn't come into OUR country illegally. Go Home. Come into the US the way my ancesters came here. "

Porter M. Corn wrote on Dec 9, 2008 5:31 AM:

" I imagine the parents would much rather have their son than the money. Perhaps this is the best way since the good people of Arizona don't have the cojones to follow the evidence and convict. Let Corbett look over his shoulder like OJ did for the rest of his life. "

RESIDENT wrote on Dec 9, 2008 12:40 AM:

" NO MAS! Your son committed a crime by illegally entering our country. You should have stopped him. You do not deserve one american dollar. The tragedy of it all is his death was preventable if he only would have stayed in the country in which he was born in. The USA does not owe you anything except humane condolences in the loss of your son of which your have recieved. Our judicial sytems and laws concerning border incidents need overhauling to protect our agents in doing their jobs and to keep illegals from suing our homeland security oraganizations. Good God!!! "

No Rights wrote on Dec 8, 2008 10:48 PM:

" Last time I checked illegal immigrants have no rights on U.S. soil or to our court systems! So can I sue an illegal immigrant for being on U.S. soil but what can I say that is the price of freedom. "

John Doe wrote on Dec 8, 2008 9:30 PM:

" It was just a matter of time. It's quite obvious that the parents are in it for the monetary compensation. How can the U.S. allow illegal immigrants to sue a government agency or a govt. employee...... "

T wrote on Dec 8, 2008 9:04 PM:

" No surprises here. This is what is what it was all about from day one. "

No surprise... wrote on Dec 8, 2008 8:59 PM:

" This is disgusting. Money grubbers...how can you earn money in the commission of a crime?? This was a person illegally entering our country. He was committing a crime. The lawyers behind this should be deported to Mexico. Totally disgusting. We need to start suing the Mexican government--what about all the American citizens who have been killed at the hands of illegal Mexican citizens? American needs to stand up and stop this nonsense. "