Suspects in murder seek help from Mexican consulate
By Reggie Jarrell, rjarrell@qconline.com

Two people arrested in connection with concealing the death of a Rock Island woman have requested that the Mexican consulate be notified about the case.

Irma Jose-Nicolas, 29, of Moline, and her 16-year-old brother both are charged with concealment of a homicidal death in connection with the slaying of Christina Mejia, 22, of Rock Island.

During appearances Tuesday and Wednesday in Rock Island County Circuit Court, both asked that the Mexican consulate be contacted.

Their brother, Osbaldo Jose-Nicolas, 22, of Moline, is charged with two counts of murder and concealment of a homicidal death. He declined to have the consulate contacted.

Ms. Mejia's body was recovered Tuesday. Family members had reported her missing Sunday afternoon. Ms. Mejia had four children, and Mr. Jose-Nicolas is the father of her youngest, born Feb. 19.

When a foreign national is arrested or detained in the United States, he or she must be advised that his or her country's consular can be contacted. In some cases, contacting the consular is mandatory whether the suspect wants them informed or not. People from countries such as England, Scotland, the Philippines, Nigeria and Romania have mandatory notification.

In general, consular services range from notarizing documents or looking for missing people, to helping with evacuations in dangerous situations. In criminal procedures, consular services include assisting the person through the complicated, and sometimes confusing, legal process or helping the suspect obtain legal assistance.

In the case of an arrest of a foreign national from Mexico, the consular would perform several functions, depending upon the case and circumstances, according to officials.

Initially the consular would determine the condition of the suspect and whether human rights violations have occurred. It would also be determined whether the arrested person has been informed of his or her Miranda rights.

A foreign national may be someone who has spent years in the United States legally or someone who once had lawful status, but due to a change in circumstances -- the expiration of a visa, a change in employers or expired documentation -- is now in the country illegally.

A foreign national is also someone who entered the country illegally.

The immigration status of Mr. Jose-Nicolas, Ms. Jose-Nicolas and their younger sibling was unknown late Wednesday.
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