What Was That Commotion, Down There?

While hiking, along some of the drug smuggling trails on the southern end of Hidden Valley (near Interstate 8) and south of Robin Road, I noticed a commotion, below, some three miles to the northeast. Soon, an air ambulance helicopter N973AE appeared and made a dusty landing. It wasn't until Saturday morning, before I learned what happened. 

Glider plane crashes in Maricopa, pilot injured

The single-occupant glider fell at approximately 5 p.m. near Ralston and Wildwood Roads. A Pinal County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman said the pilot "was breathing," when crews arrived on the scene, and "deputies are still on the scene," nearly four hours later. Dispatch

In recent months, there have been several aviation related fatalities and mishaps in and around Hidden Valley. Earlier this year, a P-51 Mustang nose dived into the ground Article, while there have also been one or two skydiving accidents at Skydive Phoenix ABC15. Perhaps, people might want to reconsider their thoughts, before taking to the air, out this way.

Michael and Tina Careccia update:

Judge sets trial date for Valenzuela in double-murder

In a court hearing Friday morning, that trial on two charges of first-degree murder was tentatively set to begin Jan. 23, 2018, at 9 a.m. in Judge Kevin White’s courtroom in Pinal County Superior Court.

Valenzuela, now 39, had to be indicted twice and the state had to twice file notice of its intent to seek the death penalty. Pinal County Public Defender James Mannato successfully had the July 8, 2015, indictment tossed after it was determined information not in evidence had been presented to the Grand Jury. InMaricopa

As the "Meloneros" Return, the Crime Wave Begins in Thunderbird Farms

It came as no surprise to hear of stabbings and fights, within one mile of my home. Every May, the cantaloupe pickers (aka "Meloners") arrive and bring drunken violence to my neighborhood. This demographic change keeps the Pinal County Sheriff's Office very busy, 

Maricopa man in critical condition after stabbing

The fight took place in the 49000 block of Julie Lane south of Maricopa. Pinal County Sheriff’s Office was called around 9:45 p.m. by a resident who reported a man going door-to-door asking for help.

When a deputy arrived, a resident directed him to a man lying on a porch with four serious stab wounds. As the 39-year-old victim was being treated, he told first responders he was stabbed by Ragon Thomas Sandoval, a homeless man living in the area. More

Michael and Tina Careccia update:

Careccia case remanded back to grand jury

Florence, AZ: A status review in the case was held on Tuesday at the Pinal County Superior Courthouse. Valenzuela’s attorney, Public Defender James Mannato, argued the case – in which the state seeks the death penalty – should be remanded back to the grand jury due to misleading testimony in the initial grand jury proceedings on July 8, 2015.

Mannato said the state almost always argues against such a motion; however, prosecutor Chris Ward of the Pinal County Attorney’s Office told Judge Kevin White the state voluntarily agreed to remand the case back to a new grand jury. Maricopa Monitor

Meanwhile, we continue to experience vandalism, thievery and other assorted Ditch Cricket shenanigans in the Thunderbird Farms area, following the departure of our winter visitors, from up north. While enjoying the outdoors and my photography hobby, we hooked an alleged wire thief. This subject made little or no attempt to conceal his activities. Theft, arson and vandalism have plagued my neighborhood, for a ling time.

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

Bean bags and rubber bullets vs. AK-47's

Thanks to our border operation, I was spared witnessing the ungrateful masses, at this year's annual F.O.R. Food Bank Thanksgiving meal distribution event, in Maricopa, AZ. I gladly passed the ladle and “Soup Nazi” title to a neighbor. I also loaned him my two burner Coleman stove. Year after year, I've watched people cut the line, complain, argue and act uncivilized, over a $6.00 turkey, a box of stuffing and a can of green beans. A cold morning, sleeping on the ground, in the inhospitable “Contested Zone” was far more to my liking.

Bean bags and rubber bullets vs. AK-47's: No wonder the Border Patrol is having trouble recruiting. Meanwhile, the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said it would become the nation's first police agency at any level to use the Osa handgun, a Russian-designed four-chamber break-action pistol that uses a laser target pointer and shoots rubber bullets. It's a weapon they say will lead to more captures and fewer deaths on the border. Babeu KTAR

Ending on a more positive note, I stumbled upon a car show at the Raceway Bar & Grill, located next door to the Farmers Convenience Store. Enjoy...

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