Rancher's killing draws citizens, officials

More than 350 people gathered outside a small schoolhouse Wednesday night to deliver suggestions to politicians and law enforcement officials about what needs to be done to restore safety to the area after the slaying of rancher Robert Krentz. The meeting was calm and orderly, but the frustration and anger felt by the community were evident as ranchers took the microphone. Community members said they've been warning government officials for years that something like this would happen, and that they were ignored. The most common demand from the community was for the government to send the National Guard or active military to the border. The Krentz family, through a statement, asked for active military to be sent to the border. Rancher Don Kimble drew huge applause when he told the officials that the military should not only come to the border but be allowed to use deadly force. But others urged calm. "We've all got a take a couple of deep breaths and not lose our cool," said Billy Darnell, a rancher and former sheriff in New Mexico. "And get this guy identified." The Krentz family asked that in honor of everything Krentz stood for, people work peacefully to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into the country. The family said it holds no malice toward the people of Mexico but do for the politicians in both countries who allowed the situation to get this bad. Department of Homeland Security officials announced a $25,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the killer. Also, the Arizona Cattlemen's Association is offering a $15,000 reward. "That's enough to get anybody back from Mexico," rancher Gary Thrasher said...more