Four men sought in border agent death

Member Center

Share This Video

URL

Embed

Iframe

+ SHARE

Views:

News Articles

Posted 9:27 PM 7/9/2012 : Four men sought in border agent death

TUCSON - Big news from the FBI on their probe into the murder of border agent Brian Terry. Four suspects, all described as Mexican nationals have been identified.

The four fugitives are identified in the indictment as Jesus Rosario Favela-Astorga, Ivan Soto-Barraza, Heraclio Osorio-Arellanes, and Lionel Portillo-Meza.

All four are linked to the December 2010 shootout in Rio Rico that killed Terry.

Guns found at the scene were tied to the DEA's botched gun-walking program, "Operation Fast and Furious."

The feds are now offering a million dollar reward.

Agent Terry's family says they are pleased that details of the indictment have been unsealed.

The FBI, U.S. Attorney, and Border Patrol held a joint news conference. It lasted 25 minutes.

Reporters were left with many unanswered questions, including where the suspects are from, and what cartel they might belong to.

Authorities say it's believed the four outstanding suspects are hiding in Mexico, but won't say where.

Questions also loom, about what evidence was found at the crime scene.

"Several of the armed individuals turned towards the agents when the agents called out. And they turned with weapons raised," Laura Duffy with the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Duffy would not say whether the bullet that killed Terry came from one of the guns involved in the failed fast and furious program.

The reason, they say for not disclosing information is to protect the integrity of the case.

What did the agent Terry's family think of the news conference? We reached out to them, in Michigan and through a publicist, they released a statement to News 4.

"It has been a difficult 18 months for the family since Brian Terry was murdered in December of 2010 and Monday's announcement provides hope that justice will eventually be served," said Robert Heyer, cousin to Brian Terry.

A foundation has been set up, in Terry's name collecting donations to raise money for families of slain Border Patrol agents.

The family also hopes to raise public awareness of what they consider the flawed Fast and Furious investigation.

Duffy insists they're confident that with the publics help, the suspects will be found.

"We will give everything to it. We will not rest until these individuals are brought to justice," said Duffy.

The FBI is offering a $250,000 reward - per fugitive - for information leading to their arrest.