Same old Story: Dope Fiends and Thugs

As summer rapidly approaches, my neighborhood has, once again, been invaded by the "Meloneros," who pick cantaloupes, by day and get drunk and stoned at night. It should come as no surprise that gang activity and drug use is on the rise. This is most certainly the benefits and byproducts of living in a multicultural society. Try to remember, "Diversity is our strength." Also keep in mind, "tolerance" is how much of something you can take, before it kills you.

Youth gang activity higher in Pinal than Phoenix, Tucson

Friendship and making money were the top two reasons Pinal teens gave for wanting to join a gang. Statewide, friendship had been the most common reason for youth gang membership but the trend has shifted more toward making money over the last four years. Full Story

More Arizonans are dying from opioid use

The increase occurred even as state officials made it a top priority to combat the opioid epidemic. Gov. Doug Ducey put a limit on prescription painkiller prescriptions for people on Medicaid, and Phoenix implemented a program that lets addicts turn in their drugs to a local police precinct and get treatment. 12News

Michael and Tina Careccia update:

Michael and Tina Careccia update: Pinal County seeking death penalty in Maricopa murder case

Pinal County's top prosecutor has filed notice that he'll seek the death penalty for the man accused of killing a Maricopa couple last year and burying their bodies. County Attorney Lando Voyles cites multiple aggravating factors in the case against Jose Ignacio Valenzuela. ABC15

Suspect is detained, on I.C.E. hold, without bail. They're just here for a better life and... "Diversity is our strength."

Mesa PD: Bound child found in bag of feces 'shocks the soul'

The 3-year-old child, who had allegedly been offered up for sex, was rescued Monday after authorities found her in a trash bag surrounded by feces in a closet. She was also malnourished. "The suspect wanted to have sex with other people and said he put the child in the closet because she was too loud," officers said. 3TV

Mike & Tina: A stray pubic hair has the huge potential of opening a new can of worms

Let's not forget that the Careccia family swore up and down that their little innocent angel did not engage in illegal drug use. The medical examiner proved that to be incorrect. Now, we seem to have this stray pubic hair. Will this reveal something else? Perhaps, Tina was engaged is sexual relations with Jose Valenzuela. As the plot thickens, I'll be looking forward to the trial.

One hair could play part in double-murder case

Mannato continues to put together a challenge to the Grand Jury proceedings, saying some things or motives may have been put in front of the jurors that were not in evidence. He has until Nov. 9 to file that challenge.

The Careccias were shot to death, according to the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office, which also found methamphatamine and amphetamines in the Careccias’ systems. The arraignment in the double-murder case was in July before Judge Dwight Callahan, who had issued an order allowing the case to be televised. Monday, White was asked to clarify that order. InMaricopa