Two to three hundred Border Patrol Agents filled the courtroom and lined the hallways of the Dozens of Federal Agents were present. With his family seated behind him, Christian Daniel Castro Alvarez appeared downcast as he sat in an orange jump suit, resting his chin in his hand while his attorney spoke for him.
He confessed that he, with two others suspects he lured Rosas by leaving footprints along the road. He then attempted to rob Border Agent Rosas, who resisted and was shot. Castro, maintains the other two suspects were the shooters, but this as not been confirmed. The other two suspects remain at large, in Mexico. Some details were unclear. The judge indicated the case remains under investigation and that additional information remains "under seal." Castro was reportedly injured in the attack and his blood was found at the scene and his identity confirmed by DNA. His age- 16- at the time of the murder was noted as was his poverty in Mexico. Castro admitted prior involvement in the Human Trafficking trade, with no prior criminal convictions.
A statement was read from Richard Barlow, acting chief patrol agent for the San Diego sector noting the devastating impact the murder had on the Border Patrol Agency, stating that it "tested the very fabric of our sacred oath."
Robert Rosas' two sisters, Arlene and Sylvia, broke down as the spoke of their love for their brother and their overwhelming loss. They spoke of Robert's kindness. One noted that their father had been killed in a car accident when Robert was two years old and he felt the loss as he was growing up, vowing to be the kind of father to his children that he dreamed of having when he was growing up. They spoke of Robert's love for his country and of the Border Patrol and the "lack of respect" afforded the Border Patrol.
Rosa's widow, Rosalie, spoke in a clear, calm voice, looking directly at the judge and at the Castro, asking for the maximum sentence, on behalf of herself, her children and "the Citizens of the United States of America. She stated she was sustained by her faith in God and her belief that justice would be served. She noted the loss to her and her children who point to every American flag they see and say "Papa's Flag." She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she received. noting her husband would be especially proud of the support of the Border Patrol. She told the judge she has but one request, and that is for justice, not only for Castro, but for all the involved parties. Applause broke out when she was finished.
The judge reviewed the sentencing process. The prosecution was asking for 40 years ; the defense for 30 years. The prosecution, for reasons under seal, had agreed to not ask for the mandatory life sentence and therefore the sentencing guidelines were for "30 years to life." The judge referred to the killing as an "execution" and sentenced Castro to the 40 years requested by the prospection.
After the sentencing, Shawn Moran Vice President South at National Border Patrol Council spoke to press. He expressed the opinion that the sentence should have been even stiffer and would be of "no deterrent" to the Drug Cartels who "did not care." He called for the deployment of Combat Troops on the Mexican Border. He noted the lack of political will to secure the border and that the Border Patrol needs to be "unhandcuffed" to fight the Drug Cartels who have declared war on them. He noted the impact of the case of the Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean on the Agent's ability to do their job.
One of the sketch artist was the cousin of Arizona Rancher Rob Krentz who was killed earlier his month one his property, by a suspected illegal alien.
Shawn Moran:
Campo Minuteman Kingfish
Cousin of Arizona Rancher Rob Krentz
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