Fancy steps



Darnell Etsitty of Mexican Springs shows his dancing style.

Photo by Jerry W. Kelley

 

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Coalition fights death penalty
Ceremony to honor victims

Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Special to the Independent

GALLUP — Although Timothy McVeigh's execution has been postponed, local members of the New Mexico Coalition to Repeal the Death Penalty will still conduct a public ceremony on Wednesday, May 16, the original date of McVeigh's execution.

"Circle of Remembrance," an ecumenical service, will be held at 5 p.m. in front of the Gallup Cultural Center, the old Santa Fe train depot. The service has the dual purpose of remembering the 168 victims of McVeigh's bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and also focusing public attention on the issues involved in repealing the death penalty.

Three local members of the coalition recently discussed plans for Wednesday's service and their personal opposition to the death penalty.

Octavia Fellin, coordinator of the Circle of Remembrance, said church bells from St. Francis and Sacred Heart Cathedral will toll 168 times in honor of the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing. The Rev. Pat Universal of Sacred Heart and the Rev. Beth Gingrich, the RMCH chaplain, will each offer an invocation. Five community members from Gallup and the Navajo
Reservation will take turns reading the names of the 168 victims. Mayor John Pena is also scheduled to attend.

The belief that the coalition is pro-perpetrator and anti-victim is not an accurate view, said Arletta Hartmann, a local coalition member. Hartmann, a Catholic, believes society must have respect for all life, whether it is the life of a victim or the life of a convicted criminal. "I truly feel life is holy. We don't have a right to take it," she said.

She admitted that McVeigh's crime tested her convictions. "This case has been a profound challenge to me," she said. "I think this whole thing has made me think and pray because it was a horrid deed."

Hartmann said her purpose in participating in Wednesday's service is to express her sorrow for all victims of violence,
particularly those who were killed in the bombing, their loved ones, the family of Timothy McVeigh and even McVeigh himself.

Mark Elliott, another local coalition member, feels that many people support the death penalty because it seems to be an easy solution to society's crime problems. That's a simplistic view, he said, that can't be supported by law enforcement and crime statistic evidence.

Elliott belongs to the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers, a group which believes that God exists in each human being. "Violence is taught from within," he said.

Elliott would like to see the city of Gallup take a political stance against New Mexico's death penalty policy, similar to its "hallmark decision" in World War II against the internment of Gallup's Japanese-American citizens. If every community in New Mexico would take such a stance, he said, perhaps New Mexico would abolish the death penalty.

"Violence does not deter violence," Fellin added. "What we advocate is forgiveness and reconciliation."

Fellin, a Catholic, said she has conducted a personal prison ministry by corresponding with a number of inmates over the years. Based on that experience, she believes many people do turn their lives around while in prison. "They do change, they do grow," she said.

Fellin, Hartmann and Elliott all believe life in prison would be the appropriate sentence for McVeigh. "Being incarcerated for life is punishment enough," Fellin said. It's a "punishment worse than death."

Hartmann, who said she has worked in jail and prison ministries since the 1970s, strongly feels the country's prison system needs to be reformed. Prisoners should be guaranteed humane conditions, she said, because inhumane conditions breed anger and rage which breeds more violence. She would like to see a moratorium on executions until important death penalty issues, such as racial disparity in death sentencing and conviction errors, have been addressed.

"If you get rid of the death penalty," Elliott said, "you'll have more clear justice."

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Man accused of breaking into house

Tom Purdom
Staff Writer

GRANTS — Leroy Padilla should have stayed home that day, but like a lot of others he didn't and because of it, the 47-year-old Gallup man faces burglary, larceny, bribery of a witness and conspiracy charges.

The Thirteenth Judicial District grand jury indicted Padilla on charges of burglarizing the home of James Zefferi, 1812 Zuni Canyon Rd.

According to the indictment, sometime between Jan. 29 and Feb. 13, Padilla allegedly got into Zefferi's home without the owner's permission. Burglary of a dwelling house is a third-degree felony punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

While in the house Padilla reportedly took $15,000, which led to the charge of larceny over $2,500, also a third-degree felony.

During the same time period Padilla is alleged to have offered or gave Daniel Zefferi $3,000 to either not testify or lie on the witness stand. The bribery of a witness charge is a fourth-egree felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

The last charge is conspiracy to burglarize a house, a fourth-degree felony.

In all Padilla faces up to nine years in prison and/or fines totaling $20,000.

Grand jurors also indicted Gary Cummings, 54, and his partner, Donna Zimbauer, 47, both of Alma Center, Wis., of theft of a credit card. The pair allegedly took a Visa Credit Card and a Visa Debit Card from Theresa Hunsacker on April 3. The charge is a fourth-degree felony, meaning each of the defendants faces up to 18 months in prison and/or fines up to $5,000.

In other matters the grand jury:

Indicted Valerie Ortiz, 31, and her partner Benjamin Ortiz, both of 801 E. Sage, Grants, for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. The two were caught by Grants Police Department officers on April 5.

Indicted Kevin Jaramillo, 39, of Albuquerque, on charges of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving while his license was suspended or revoked. Jaramillo was caught by the Laguna Police Department on April 2.

In other matters, several cases were adjudicated:

Thirteenth Judicial District Judge Camille Olguin, in a plea bargain arrangement, sentenced Joshua Alires, 27, of Grants, to an 18-month deferred sentence and 18 months of supervised probation for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Olguin, in a plea bargain arrangement, sentenced Michael Mariano, 21, of Bloomfield, N.M., to an 18-month deferred sentence and 18 months of supervised probation for possession of a controlled substance.

Olguin, in a plea bargain arrangement, sentenced Lenora Desiderio, 36, of 501 Clay St., Milan, to an 18-month deferred sentence and 18 months of supervised probation for two counts of battery upon a police officer.

Olguin, in a plea bargain agreement, sentenced Carlos Earl Hall Jr., 28, of Baton Rouge, La., to an 18-month deferred sentence and 18 months of supervised probation for possession of a firearm or destructive device by a felon.

Olguin, in a plea bargain arrangement, sentenced Rudolfo Dominguez, 33, to 31 days in jail for third offense of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while his license was suspended or revoked and possession of alcoholic beverage (in a vehicle).

Olguin, in a plea bargain arrangement, sentenced Tony P. Duran, 32, to 45 days for third offense driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving while his license was suspended or revoked and resisting arrest.

District Judge William A. Sanchez, in a plea bargain arrangement, sentenced Martin Montano, 32, to 366 days for conspiracy to burglary and breaking and entering.

District Judge Kenneth G. Brown, in a plea bargain arrangement, sentenced Kent Sandelin, 35, of Albuquerque, to a one-year deferred sentence and one year of probation for careless driving and driving while his license was suspended or revoked.

District Judge John W. Pope, in a plea bargain arrangement, sentenced Ermalinda L. Rodriguez, 30, to 366 days for fifth offense driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and driving while her license was suspended or revoked.

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Laguna-Acoma salvages third place

Abelita Rose Freeland
Staff Sports Writer

ALBUQUERQUE — The Laguna-Acoma Hawks had a better day at the plate to win the Class A-AA third place trophy at the state tournament Saturday morning.

The Hawks defeated the Estancia Bears 7-1 in seven innings at Cibola High School.

"I am proud of the boys," said Laguna-Acoma coach Chris Sarracino. "We were able to hit the ball today and when you are playing for a trophy it is ways nice to win."

"I told the boys I was proud of them because only a few teams can make it this far," Sarracino said.

The Hawks, who left 16 baserunners on base in a semifinal loss to Sandia Prep, had feelings of deja vu after coming away from the first inning with just a 1-1 tie after leaving the bases loaded.

Estancia had taken a 1-0 lead on an RBI single by Casey Morris to score Steve Coburn.

The Hawks answered with a run in the bottom of the first. Ian Chino was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on a double by Dale Brown. Clifford Bahe had an RBI single to second base with Chino being called safe at home to tie the game at 1-1.

But the Hawks did the rest of their scoring in the next inning.

Adrian Lazos reached on an error to start things off. Chino followed with a single and Brown scored Lazos on a single to right field.

An RBI single to center field by Louis Sarracino hit in Chino and Brown scored on a wild pitch.

Bahe took a walk and Graham Drummonds took the ball for a ride to left-center field for Sarracino and Bahe to score. Torivio added an RBI single to second.

Both teams' defenses then took over.

Brown struck out two batters looking in the third inning and a play was made by shortstop Carillo for an out in the third inning.

Lazos led off striking out, Chino hit a line drive to first base and Brown struck out swinging for three outs.

In the fourth inning, Carillo, Brown and Torivio all made plays at first base for three outs on three batter.

At the plate, Louis Sarracino took the first pitch to center but was forced out at second on a hit by Bahe to short. Drummonds flew out to center and Carillo hit a single down the third base line. Bahe and Carillo were left on base when Torivio struck out for the third out.

Bear Rael walked in the fifth and was thrown out by catcher Gaco on a steal to second. Brown then struck out Morris and Coburn swinging to end the inning.

Gaco and Lazos came up to bat for the Hawks both striking out. Chino then had a double and stole third, but was left on base when Brown was caught looking at a third strike to end fifth inning.

The Hawks' only error of the game was came in the sixth inning. Justin Danella hit the ball to short stop who overthrew the ball to first. Brown came back to pick Danella off at second then struck out the next two batters.

"We still had some trouble hitting and weren't able to get in double digits in scoring but we won. I know I put the boys through a lot during the season, but when you make it this far it's all good," said Sarracino.

Laguna did finish with 12 hits in a balanced effort in the win with four players getting two hits. Brown went 2-for-4, Louis Sarracino, Bahe and Chino were each 2-for-3.

Brown was the winning pitcher with 11 strikeouts, three walks and two hits.

"I knew that Dale was going to throw a good game for us today," Sarracino added.

"We did good," said Brown. "We did better than yesterday. Today we hit the ball."

Ochoa registered the pitching loss with 10 strikeouts, three walks, 12 hits.

The Hawks have made it to state 11 out of the past 12 years, including ten straight before missing last year. With only five seniors graduating, Sarracino says they will be back next year.

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Area athletes capture five more titles

Michael Peretti
Staff Sports Writer

ALBUQUERQUE — Felicia Guliford and the Kirtland boys team picked up state championships on the final day of the Class 3A-5A state meet.

Led by state champion Vernon Harrison, Kirtland swept the top three places in the Class 4A 3200 meter run, then had to watch the final two events to see if their team lead would hold up.

In 3A, the Grants Lady Pirates' consistent effort garnered them a state runner-up finish in the team standings and Wingate Bear Leonardo Jim captured the boys 3200 meter state title.

Class 4A

Guliford, who won state championships in the 800 and 1600 meters on the first two days, added the Class 5A 3200 meter state title Saturday and destroyed the state record at the same time. The old state record, set by Guliford earlier, was 11:01.90. She finished the state meet with a time of 10:46.72, lapping almost every other runner in the race as well...

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Citizens' group takes look at district's discipline policy

Andrea Egger
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Citizens for Better Schools, a new community coalition, discussed discipline and formed its mission statement at its recent meeting.

School Board member Bill Bright, who is a member of Citizens for Better Schools and is on the committee to study the school's disciplinary policy, told the group of 13 residents that the school's policy is being revised.

The policy of "zero tolerance" for weapons is being challenged because of a case in Rio Rancho where a girl was expelled from school and later reinstated by a court order.

The girl's parents gave her a set of keys that contained a pen knife. The school considered the pen knife to be a weapon, and set the school's zero tolerance policy into motion...

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Deaths

Ruth Ann Carnel-Oates

GALLUP — Services for Ruth Ann Carnel-Oates, 48, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, at First United Methodist Church. The Rev. Jeff Symonds will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Carnel-Oates died May 10 in Gallup. She was born Jan. 30, 1953, in Ganado.

Carnel-Oates graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in education. Before her death she was working in the family-owned automotive parts store.

Survivors include her brothers, Jeff Carnel of Gallup, Kent Carnel of Las Vegas, Nev., and Michael Carnel of Colorado Springs, Colo.; parents, Douglas and Gloria Howes of Gallup; and grandparents, Dow and Crystal Carnel and Hugh and Ruth
Perry.

Carnel-Oates was preceded in death by her father, Vance Carnel.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Esparza, David Lebeck, Peter Leyba Jr., Beth Neill, Johnny Piano and Bobby Wallace.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Henry K. Barney

TWIN LAKES — Services for Henry Barney, 56, will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, at Rollie Mortuary Palm Chapel. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

Barney died May 10 in Albuquerque. He was born Nov. 24, 1944, in Fort Wingate into the Edgewater People Clan for the Towering House People Clan.

Barney was a graduate of Fort Seal Indian School in Lawton, Okla. He served in the U.S. Army, where he served in the Vietnam War. He was employed with the Tohatchi Health Center.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Tsosie of Mexican Springs; sons, Noel Barney of Twin Lakes and Shawn Barney of Albuquerque; brother, Kenneth K. Barney of Mexican Springs; sisters, Ethel Mae Barney of Twin Lakes and Matilda Bitsie of Mexican Springs; and one grandchild.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert B. and Pearl Barney.

Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Isabel C. Marquez

ALBUQUERQUE — Services for Isabel Marquez were held at 10 a.m. today, May 14,at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atricso Dr. SW. Burial followed at San Clara Cemetery.

Marquez died May 10 in Albuquerque.

Survivors include her sons, Ross Marquez and Anthony Marquez; daughter, Gloria Garcia and Gary Garcia; six brothers; three sisters; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Marquez was preceded in death by her husband Leo Marquez and son Glen Marquez.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Marquez, Ben Marquez, Gary Marquez, Joseph Marquez, Paul Marquez, and Ray Arriola.

Benson C. Yazzie

CHURCH ROCK — Services for Benson Yazzie, 53, will be announced at a later date.

Yazzie died May 11 in Gallup. He was born Dec. 23, 1947, in Pinedale.

Cope Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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