AZMEX SPECIAL 17-12-13

AZMEX SPECIAL 17 DEC 2013

Note: vultures feeding

Judge denies effort to block Krentz file release
1 hour ago • By Brian Skoloff The Associated Press

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/judge-denies-effort-to-block-krentz-file-release/article_bf5071ea-8309-5300-a2a7-1809db295510.html

Documents related to the investigation of a 2010 killing of a rancher along the U.S.-Mexico border must be released under Arizona's public records law, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Robert Krentz was gunned down on his property near Douglas.

Investigators initially said they believed that a scout for drug smugglers was to blame for his killing, but the case remains unsolved. The killing prompted renewed calls in Washington for increased border security amid speculation that the death was somehow tied to smugglers.

Krentz's wife, Susan, had sought to block the release of the case file as authorities continue to investigate, claiming her privacy interest outweighed the public's right to access under Arizona public records laws.

Cochise County Superior Court Judge Charles Irwin heard arguments Tuesday from attorneys representing The Arizona Republic, the Arizona Daily Star, KJZZ-FM and Terry Greene Sterling. The judge then ruled against Krentz's efforts to block authorities from releasing the file.

Susan Krentz declined to comment Tuesday. Her attorney didn't return a telephone message.

Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels has said the Krentz case remains a top priority and that his office had developed numerous "persons of interest" who might have information on the killing. He has declined to discuss the status of the case in detail.

In a statement Tuesday, Dannels said his office would comply with the judge's ruling and publicly release the file.

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