Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry murder investigation continues

Posted: Dec 16, 2010 7:57 PM CST
Updated: Dec 16, 2010 7:57 PM CST

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Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry murder investigation continues
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Reporter: Jessica Chapin

RIO RICO, ARIZ. (KGUN9- TV) - After two straight days of searching and scanning the Peck Canyon floor, the FBI is still searching for details in the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. As agents and sheriff's deputies assist in the investigation, they also mourn the loss of a comrade.

"We feel for our partners at the U.S. Border Patrol and it's tragic," said Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada. It's the kind of tragedy he says comes with the territory, but Estrada is sticking to his claims that the border is more secure now than ever.

"I think that the border here is more secure," he said, "but it's still very active and things like these will happen."

The scene is still very active, with vehicles from all agencies involved traveling back and forth. All media calls are being deferred to the FBI, but calls to their office for more information have not been returned.

Four suspects were taken into custody Wednesday, but they are still searching for one more. As rain blanketed the scene Thursday night, details could be lost along with the remaining bandit.

"I think that at some point they're going to give that up if they don't come up with him soon," said Estrada,"before they say he's no longer here, but I think they're going to wait as long as they possibly can to ensure that they accomplish what they need."

The investigation is transforming the quiet community nearby, where 25-year resident Denny Scanlan says signs are clear.

"A lot of Federal equipment is flying around. That's been the biggest major change in the last few days," he said, "I can stay right here and watch what's going on and have a feeling of what's it all about but it's not over yet."

Scanlan doesn't mind the disturbance. A former officer himself, he flies his flag half-staff to honor Terry and keeps his hopes up for swift justice.

"They're still looking," he said, "and they're going to find the dirtbag that did this."

In the event the bandit escaped across the border, Estrada says it's still possible to take him in. They would try working with Mexican authorities to have him extradited, or tried in Mexico for crimes committed in the U.S. While few details have been released about the suspects' identities or descriptions, Estrada says he has confidence the FBI is still finding leads in the investigation.

http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13688784