LET'S HOPE THIS IS AN ISOLATED EVENT

I was worried that AZ's new immigration law may increase social strife and now it seems we have the first victim, an Hispanic-American.

Phoenix man accused in neighbor's shooting death

by Jolie McCullough - May. 7, 2010 11:53 AM
The Arizona Republic

Gary Kelley, 50, was arrested after police suspect he shot and killed his 44-year-old neighbor, Juan Varela, on the sidewalk near their houses in 6400 block of South Montezuma Street at about 1 p.m., according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Antonio told police that he came home Thursday afternoon to find Kelley walking toward his brother, who was watering a tree in the front yard, according to a police report.

Police said Kelley repeated a racial slur toward Varela several times before saying, "Hurry up and go back to Mexico, or you're going to die!"

Varela was said to have attempted to kick Kelley, but missed. Kelley allegedly pulled out a revolver and shot Varela once in the neck area, police said.

Police said he pointed the gun at the brother as well, before running into his house.

Kelley, holding a beer, left his house when police arrived. Police said he appeared intoxicated.

Kelley was not complying with officers' commands, police said, so he was pepper sprayed and taken into custody.

Varela was taken to a local hospital where he died.

Kelley was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder and aggravated assault with a weapon, police said.

Maria Lopez, Varela's niece, said he was a second-generation American who was born in Phoenix. He had a wife and a 13-year-old daughter.

Lopez said when Kelley had been drinking, he sometimes made racial comments to her uncle and cousins, who lived next door. When Kelley wasn't drinking, Lopez said there were no issues.