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DA To Congressmen: Stay Out Of Extradition Process

Beauprez: I'm Not Trying To Get In Way

POSTED: 6:09 am MDT June 16, 2005
UPDATED: 12:00 pm MDT June 16, 2005

Colorado representatives in Washington are being told to stay out of the fight to extradite Raul Gomez-Garcia.

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey said in a letter that exerting political pressure on Mexico to return the suspect to Colorado could backfire.

Morrissey said that he had serious concerns about some of the public comments that appear disrespectful of Mexican law. The message came a day after Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez discussed plans to introduce a bill in the House. Beauprez wants to withhold aid until Mexico agrees to extradite -- without condition -- suspects accused of killing police officers.

But Beauprez said the bill he's proposing could keep people from committing crimes, thinking they can flee to Mexico and escape justice.

Beauprez said Thursday that he supports Morrissey, but said the United States shouldn't be sending $66 million in aid to a country that provides safe harbor for criminals.

Gomez-Garcia is wanted in the May 8 shooting death of Denver police Detective Donald Young, and the wounding of Detective John Bishop.

He is facing charges of second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. If Morrissey had filed charges of first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory sentence of death or life in prison without the possibility of parole, Mexico would not extradite him.

The House of Representatives will consider a foreign aid bill in the coming weeks that includes $66 million for Mexico in fiscal year 2006. Beauprez would offer their bill as an amendment.

The Mexican government has said it is complying with the U.S.-Mexico Extradition Treaty of 1978 and is increasing its cooperation with U.S. authorities.


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