Man gets 24 years in jail for murder
S.J. Ludescher
Staff Writer
ALBUQUERQUE — Sheep Springs resident Peter Joe was sentenced
Thursday to 24 years and five months in prison for the first-degree
murder of his girlfriend, Maxine Burton.
The sentence was the maximum term Joe could have received
under a plea agreement he made in December.
"Since he's 56 years old, I think 25 years is a life sentence,"
federal prosecutor Kathleen Bliss told family members after the hearing.
Joe admitted during his plea hearing to stabbing Burton to death with
a sharp metal object after she refused to move back in with him.
According to an arrest affidavit, Burton's body was found at her home
in Upper Fruitland on May 7, 1999. She had lacerations on her face
and two wounds to her throat.
Evangeline McDonald, a daughter of Burton's, read to the court a letter
written by her mother as a farewell note to Joe. "I'll pick up
the rest of my things pretty soon," Burton wrote. "The family
is upset with me because of these things. I think it's better this
way. Sorry things didn't work out. I wish you luck."
McDonald pounded on the table in front of Joe after she read the note.
McDonald was on leave from the Navy, en route to visit Burton for
Mother's Day, but she learned about her mother's death from the newspaper.
McDonald is stationed in Japan aboard the U.S.S. Kittyhawk.
On the day of her death, Burton had arrived at Joe's home in Sheep
Springs, about 50 miles south of Shiprock, to move out, having been
told he was in Phoenix. According to testimony from her sister, Mae
Bunny, Burton chose a time when Joe was supposed to be out because
she was afraid he would beat her.
"Maxine wanted to move while he was in Phoenix," Bunny said.
"She was told a lie and tricked. Now she is dead."
Bunny had taken care of Maxine since she was 12 and
put her through school.
"He," Bunny said as she pointed to Joe, "stole her
from us."
According to the FBI report, Joe had come home while Burton was there.
She informed him she was moving out. Joe told law enforcement officers
that it upset him, so he grabbed a piece of pipe and struck her twice
on the head and stabbed her on the face and neck.
After murdering Burton, Joe went out drinking and was picked up on
drunken driving charges the same day as the murder. The arrest record
noted there were stains resembling blood on his clothes.
While Joe was in the holding tank after being arrested for driving
while intoxicated, the FBI document noted, he confessed to another
man in the tank he had killed his girlfriend.
"What (Joe) took away was the mother of two little girls and
two little boys," McDonald told the judge. "He's asking
to be placed into supervised custody? How can he be out in society?"
During the hearing, it was disclosed that Joe had been previously
incarcerated but the crimes were not revealed. U.S. District Court
Judge C. Leroy Hansen who sentenced Joe said, however, Joe had a reputation
for alcohol abuse and a violent temper.
In New Mexico, a woman is killed every two weeks as the result of
domestic violence, a rate 16 percent higher than the national average.
Statistics from the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence
in Albuquerque indicate that women who attempt to leave an abusive
situation increase their chances of physical harm by 75 percent.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, 32 cases of aggravated sexual
abuse were filed in 1999 from the Navajo Reservation.
Joe was also ordered to spend five years on supervised release and
to make restitution to the family for funeral and medical expenses
for Burton. Joe will serve his time in an Oklahoma penitentiary.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
| Top |
Zah ready to return to Democratic ranks
Bill Donovan
Diné Bureau
GALLUP — Peterson Zah made the headlines in area newspapers when
he decided last year to change from long-time Democrat to Republican.
The former Navajo Nation chairman and president admitted at the time
that he joined the Republicans for one reason so he could vote for
U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in his bid to win the Republican Party
nomination.
But with McCain announcing Thursday he was suspending his campaign,
thereby all but giving the nomination to Texas Gov. George W. Bush,
Zah says his days as a Republican are now numbered.
"As soon as McCain is out of the race, I'll change my registration
back to Democrat," Zah said in a telephone interview from Morgantown,
W.Va., where he has been lecturing and teaching in recent weeks.
Zah said in the interview Wednesday night the day before McCain suspended
his campaign that he didn't expect McCain would be out on the campaign
trail much longer, which will disappoint Native American leaders who
had been hoping that McCain would make it through the primary.
"I can't see Native Americans going for Bush," Zah said.
"Many Native American leaders have been calling and writing to
me and saying they are very afraid of Bush because of his initial
statements about Indian issues."
Bush was criticized for statements that indicated he views tribal
governments as subservient to state governments. It was the responsibility
of the state governments to reign over Indian reservations, Bush said.
These kinds of statements indicate how much Bush doesn't know about
tribal governments, as opposed to McCain, who Zah said has spent a
great deal of his career in the U.S. Senate handling national Indian
issues, Zah said.
He said if Bush does get the nomination, Indian leaders will have
to make a major effort to acquaint Bush and his campaign staff with
many of the issues dealing with Native Americans.
"Right now, he just doesn't realize what he is saying,"
Zah said.
But if it comes down to a choice of Bush and the country's current
vice-president, Al Gore, on the Democratic side, Zah said he would
have to come out for Gore since he "understands the issues."
Zah said he expects people will talk even more about his politics
when he switches back to Democrat, but he doesn't see it as anything
unusual.
After all, Eddie Basha, a well-known Arizona politician who has a
chain of supermarkets in the state as well as on the reservation has
been known to switch parties if he has a friend running in the Republican
primary.
"Then, when the primary is over, he just changes his registration
back to being a Democrat," Zah said.
| Top |
Navajo voters cast ballots over Internet
Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau
WINDOW ROCK — The sun shone on Navajo Nation President Kelsey
Begaye breaking through the cold, dark, windy skies as he joined more
than 24,000 Arizonans in setting history Thursday by voting over the
Internet for the first time.
"It is important that the Navajo Nation votes and minorities
across the country take the opportunity to vote," Begaye said
of the Arizona Democratic Party primary election. Congress granted
American Indians citizenship in 1924.
Begaye said there are now about 270,000 Navajos. Around 175,000 live
on the reservation. With half the reservation population under age
25, it is important to improve modern communications through technology,
such as Internet voting, Begaye said.
"It is time for our people to take the responsibility to make
it their business to vote," Begaye said. "For too long we've
been spectators. That time is over. We must step forward to make our
concerns known and elect people to office" who support Navajo
goals.
Begaye said Internet voting was fast and different, as well as easy
for someone familiar with computers.
The president said computer access for minorities is
difficult, but can be overcome with the help of people like Microsoft
founder Bill Gates, whose foundation recently sent a team to the reservation
to figure out how best to help Navajos.
Begaye said Thursday's demonstration showed the Navajo Election Administration
could do the same thing. The central government is now making plans
to tie the 110 chapter houses into a computer system.
The Arizona Democratic Party's primary election began Tuesday and
will conclude Saturday, with on-line and traditional on-site voting.
The nearest computer voting locations that will close at 11:59 tonight
are at the Sanders Public Library, the Holbrook Public Library and
the Roxanne Whipple Memorial Library in Winslow all in border towns.
Saturday's voting locations for both on-line and traditional balloting
on and near the reservation include the Chinle Unified School District
office, Tse Ho Tso Primary School in Fort Defiance, the Kayenta Unified
School District office, the Pinon Unified School District office,
the Kykotsmovi Village Store, Holbrook High School, the Winslow City
Council Chambers and Tuba City High School.
But fears remain that the process could be corrupted.
Concerns include hacking (unauthorized breaches of security measures
in computer systems), virus attacks to destroy information and lack
of privacy when casting the ballot. People also fear results could
be tilted toward candidates favored by the more affluent, who have
easier access to computer terminals.
| Top |
Illegal aliens a big problem for police
Mary E. Davis
Staff Writer
GRANTS — The dream of working in a Chicago garment sweatshop
took a wrong turn early Thursday for 19 illegal aliens when a New
Mexico State Police patrolman stopped their overcrowded van on a traffic
violation.
The illegal aliens were caught when Patrolman Lloyd Aragon noticed
their 1992 Ford van weaving in the traffic lane. The officer stopped
the van with an Arizona license plate at mile marker 89 on Interstate
40 in Milan around 2:45 a.m.
New Mexico State Police Capt. Glenn Thomas suspects the immigrants
were headed for Chicago, where they could have worked in the garment
industry. Illegal aliens also sneak into the country to work during
the planting and harvesting season...
| Top |
Bengals in one step closer to title game
Alan Arthur
Sports Editor
ALBUQUERQUE — Remember the first round jinx. That's what it was
called years ago when the Gallup Bengals couldn't seem to win a first
round game at state.
Now, the Lady Bengals are in the semifinals for the fourth year in
a row.
The Bengals used a strong third quarter to defeat the Rio Rancho Rams
53-46 in the Class AAAA quarterfinals of the Girls State Basketball
Tournament Thursday afternoon at the Pit...
| Top |
Lawyer wants bill to help dying kids
Milan girl inspired 'Tieyerra's Law'
Tom Purdom
Staff Writer
GRANTS — The dying wish of a 12-year-old Milan girl stricken
with leukemia was not mercy for herself, but help for other children
in her condition.
Today, an Albuquerque lawyer, a Roswell state senator and his wife
are trying to carry out that wish.
Tieyerra Rael died last July 14 of leukemia. While in Children's Hospital
in Albuquerque, her health maintenance organization, Presbyterian-Salud,
denied her a last-hope experimental drug treatment because the treatment
was exactly that experimental...
| Top |
Delegates' fight for higher pay has long
history
Jim Maniaci
Diné Bureau
WINDOW ROCK — For the first 40 years the Navajo Nation Council
was in existence, delegates didn't worry much about their pay there
wasn't any.
Instead, most of their pay consisted of per diem and expenses.
But that's not the case today. Council delegates bring up the subject
of pay increases almost every session and try to think of a way to
get the approval of two-thirds of the Navajo chapters, which they
need before they can get a raise...
| Top |
No miracles for Navajo Prep
Alan Arthur
Sports Editor
ALBUQUERQUE — There was no great comeback this
year.
The Texico Lady Wolverines jumped out to a 23-4 first quarter lead
and then held off all challenges as they beat the Navajo Prep Lady
Warriors 56-47 in the Class AA semifinals of the Girls State Basketball
Tournament held at Albuquerque Academy High School Thursday morning.
Navajo Prep (17-11) will play for the consolation trophy this afternoon
at 2 p.m. in the Pit. Texico (20-5) will play for the championship
at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in the Pit...
| Top |
Wingate making believers out of AAA opponets,
fans
Alan Arthur
Sports Editor
ALBUQUERQUE — Despite their impressive 22-1 record coming into
the state tournament, not many people were talking about the Wingate
Lady Bears.
They're talking about them now.
The Lady Bears continued their strong season with a 57-50 victory
over the Portales Rams Thursday afternoon in the Class AAA quarterfinals
of the Girls State Basketball Tournament. The victory put Wingate
into today's semifinals at 10:30 a.m. at the Pit against Silver City...
| Top |
Zuni unable to overcome key mistakes
in tough loss
Santiago Ramos
Staff Sports Writer
LAGUNA - Zuni blew a 13-4 start with crucial turnovers en route to
falling to Laguna-Acoma 67-58 Thursday night during the opening round
of the Region F tournament at Laguna Middle School gym.
Laguna-Acoma, the District 4 top team, will play the winner of tonight's
Dulce-Menaul game, in the regional finals Saturday at 7 p.m. at Laguna
Middle School. The Hawks have beaten Menaul three times this season.
The T-Birds end the season at 17-10.
"The turnovers were crucial," said Zuni coach Bob Kercher
of his team's 25 turnovers which Laguna-Acoma were quick to capitalize
on. "I thought we played aggressive. We had some chances to win
but Laguna has some good shooters. We weren't able to hit on our free
throws again. We played Laguna close in all three games and that's
credit to our district..."
| Top |
Deaths
Edward Muniz Sr.
GALLUP — Memorial rosary and mass for Edward Muniz Sr., 71, will
be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 11 at the St. Francis of Assisi
Catholic Church. Father Diego Mazon, O.F.M. will officiate. Burial
will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery.
Muniz Sr. died March 4 in Gallup. He was born Dec. 28, 1928 in Gallup.
Muniz Sr. was a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, Fraternal Order
of Police and the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include his son, Edward Muniz Jr. of Glenwood Springs, Colo.;
daughter, Diane Muniz of Gallup; sisters, Helen Archibeque, Minnie
Montoya and Isabel Rangel, all of Bernalillo; five grandchildren;
and five great-grandchildren.
Muniz Sr. was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Muniz; daughter,
Patricia Muniz; parents, Julio Muniz and Rosa Muniz; brother, David
Muniz; and sister, Margaret Crespin.
Pallbearers will be Sonny Alvarez, Michael Archibeque, Narcico Baca
Sr., Danny Campos, Ernie Campos, David Crapin, Johnny Crapin, Bob
DeArmond, Roger Dustan, Bobby Gallagos, Danny Gomez, Mike Guardin,
Joe Guiterrez, Gary Guzman, Benny Maldonado Sr., Hector Mejia, Andris
Muniz, Chris Muniz, Gilbert Sanchez and Paul Soto.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Lucy "Lady Red" Bitsuie
COYOTE CANYON — Services for Lucy "Lady Red" Bitsuie,
91, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Rollie Mortuary
Palm Chapel. Pastor Edgar Yazzie will officiate. Burial will follow
at the private family cemetery in Coyote Canyon.
Bitsuie died March 6 in Grants. She was born Feb. 20, 1909, in Coyote
Canyon into the Start of the Red Streak People Clan for the Bitter
Water People Clan.
Survivors include her son, Jimmie R Etsitty of Coyote Canyon; and
daughters, Grace Daniels, Nena James and Nora James, all of Coyote
Canyon, Sarah Etsitty of Chicago, and Mae Long of Twin Lakes.
Bitsuie was preceded in death by her parents, Hosteen Louis and Hathlie
Yazhe' Bitsie.
Pallbearers will be Jimmie Ray Etsitty Jr., Derald Haley, Valentino
Haley, Lawrence G. Holona, Billy V. Nez Jr., Billy V. Nez III and
Michael Trottier.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
| Top |
All contents property of the
Gallup Independent.
Any duplication or republication requires consent of the
Gallup
Independent.
Feel free to send any questions or comments to
gallpind@cia-g.com
E-mail the webmaster at
martyr_dom@hotmail.com
