Thread: Suspects in Arenas killing surrender, and speak with KGUN9

Suspects in Arenas killing surrender, and speak with KGUN9 News
Posted: Jan 30, 2011 6:11 PM CST Updated: Jan 31, 2011 1:05 PM CST
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Raw Video: Jailhouse Interview: Accused killers open up about what happened 34:32
Accused killers speak to KGUN 9 from jail 4:53

It's not often that an accused killer agrees to speak on television, but on Sunday, two murder suspects agreed to speak to KGUN 9 in a rare jailhouse interview.

Reporter: Ileana Diaz
Web producer: Tammy Vo, Layla Tang, Laura Rios

NOGALES, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV)- After almost two years of running from police, murder suspects Orel Vasquez, Christian Vasquez and Juan Carlos Leon turned themselves in at the port of entry in Nogales early Saturday morning. The three have been wanted for the killing of 15 year old Brenda Arenas, whose 2009 murder during a carjacking outraged southern ARizona. The suspects were booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail where 9 On Your Side's Ilea Diaz spoke to two of on them Sunday morning.

What made the trio turn themselves in? Was it guilt? Not at all, admits suspect Orel Vasquez. Vasquez told Diaz that all three suspects are drug dealers. He went on to say that a Mexican drug cartel found out the suspects were wanted by authorities for murder, and therefore attracted unwanted attention. So, the cartel gave the men an ultimatum.

"The day they had me right there, with all the guys around me, they told me it was between you dying or between you going to turn yourself in. So, I said I'll turn myself in. They came and dropped me there at the line. I walked myself in," said Orel Vasquez, one of the accused killers.

All the suspects turned themselves in together and are now at the Santa Cruz County Jail in what they call a better situation.

"No one, no one wants to die," said Vasquez.

"What about 15-year-old Brenda Arenas, who died that night in front of her mom, in front of her 3 year old sister?" asked KGUN9's Ileana Diaz.

"I know, that's what I'm saying. It's pretty sad," said Vasquez.

It is a sad tragedy that took the life of 15-year-old Brenda Arenas, just days before her quinceañera. It's a tragedy none of the suspects are saying they're involved in.

"So, if you're not guilty, as you're saying you're not, why run away?" asked KGUN9's Ileana Diaz.

"If I wouldn't have just left probably someone would have popped me for other things," said Vasquez.

So what did happen that day and what were the suspects doing? That's what KGUN9 asked them but we didn't get a clear answer.

"Whoever snitched me out, snitched us out saying we were there at that time, what we did what we didn't just putting words in everybody's mouth," said Vasquez.

"So you're saying you weren't there that night?" asked KGUN9.

"No," said Vasquez.

What the suspects did say is that they know the family is hurting because they have been watching KGUN9'S coverage since the murder took place. And they heard what family members had to say about them.

"We're not animals like she said. We know what happened there is pretty hard, but we're just so sorry, truly sorry. It's up to her whether she believes us or not," said Vasquez.

While the family does want answers, they always want those responsible for killing their daughter locked up.

"Do you think justice will be served?" asked Diaz. "Justice should be served to the one that did it. Whoever did it should get punished. Who doesn't want justice for something like that," said Vasquez.

The other suspect, Leon, told KGUN9 he believes some justice is already being served.

"They wanted us here, right? Here we are. She said 'get those animals'. Well, we're here," said Juan Carlos Leon, one of the accused killers.

Christian Vasquez declined an interview with KGUN9. All three suspects are facing charges for murder and for being a fugitive from justice. They made their first court appearance Sunday and each of their bonds was set at $1 million.


http://www.kgun9.com/global/story.asp?s=13935917

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