Jury selection begins in murder trial

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

by Judi Devol

Jorge Alberto Lopez-Orozco stands accused of murdering a woman and two of her children in 2002.

A murder trial for a case that took more than ten years to come to court began Monday for Jorge Alberto Lopez-Orozco, charged with the 2002 murder of Rebecca Ramirez and two of her children, Miguel, 2, and Ricardo, 4.

With opening statements for the case of the State vs. Jorge Alberto Lopez-Orozco set to begin Monday, Oct. 22, Judge Timothy L. Hansen, along with Elmore County Prosecutor Kristina Schindele and Defense Attorney Terry Ratliff cleared some final concerns and prepared for voir dire, a preliminary examination of jurors by a judge or counsel, set for Oct. 16.

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This case is being handled by the PA and PD of Elmore County. They make the same amount of money regardless of the work they do. No one is making any money off this. As far as tax payer money, yes it will cost us, but what is the alternative, let him go?

-- Posted by melofmh on Wed, Oct 17, 2012, at 9:55 AM
What makes you think the Mexican authorities would keep him in prison? On what charge? They can't try and convict him for these murders, not their jurisdiction nor would they even want to. As far as the money, I know the PA doesn't receive any extra pay for this. I admit I'm not sure how the PD is paid, but I don't see any other choice but to take it to trial if they can't reach a plea agreement. Do you really think there is some big conspiracy to take this to court to make money? I would think most of the money that will be spent is for experts, flying in witnesses, etc. I would bet if the PD is paid extra for his time, he's not paid at the rate of a private attorney. It's probably barely worth his time. If this was your family that was killed, would you feel any differently?

-- Posted by melofmh on Wed, Oct 17, 2012, at 11:57 AM
If it was my family, I would want an eye-for-an-eye. Instead of letting this scumbag rot in prison...let him rot in the ground.

-- Posted by clam chowder on Wed, Oct 17, 2012, at 12:56 PM
Cantjustwatch,

I really do not understand what point you are trying to make or what your complaint is other than the amount of money being spent. Please explain how you think this should be handled. I don't like the cost either, but I was just trying to make the point of what is the alternative?

And YES if it was my family, I would want him to pay, preferably with his life, but that is no longer an option. Do YOU know the family? Have they told you that they don't want him punished? If so, do you think the State should just let him go?

I'm not trying to say you're wrong, I just need to understand what you think should happen so I can decide if I agree with you.

-- Posted by melofmh on Wed, Oct 17, 2012, at 3:16 PM
So are you mad that we're prosecuting this murderer at such a high cost or that he won't be getting the death penalty? (Which is what your comment on Charles Manson rotting in prison refers to.) And as far as all the anger towards melofmh's 'implied knowledge of finances involved here', wouldn't this all be public knowledge since it's public funds? I'd bet you have the same access to budgets for PA and PD as melofmh and could easily find out if he/she has their facts straight. It appeared to me that he/she was only disagreeing with how the money is spent. Not about murders rotting in prison or the fact that it's going to cost a ton of money. And they are right, I don't think Mexico can prosecute a crime commited in the US. Not to mention they have even less $$ than we do. Either we try it, or he goes free.

And before you freak out on me, this post in no way implies that I'm for lining the pockets of lawyers and politicians. I can see you easily making that leap.

-- Posted by uncommon sense on Wed, Oct 17, 2012, at 4:53 PM
Justcantwatch,

Obviously, your problem is not with this case. It's with the entire world in general! I was just trying to have a coherent discussion regarding this case, but the problem(s) you have apparently go much deeper. Let's just leave it at that. Have a good night!

-- Posted by melofmh on Wed, Oct 17, 2012, at 9:59 PM