Reptile Killers Caught

The thugs who broke into Las Cruces Reptile Rescue and killed and stole dozens of reptiles have been caught. Both are 17 and have confessed.

These two also trashed the facility beyond use, and stole considerable property.

Sadly, they will not be punished for their extreme cruelty. The New Mexico animal cruelty statue explicitly excludes reptiles. This needs to be changed immediately.

These thugs were caught with 19 stolen turtles -- strange how their parents did not notice the sudden, huge influx of turtles into their home... nor the new bicycle... nor the other stolen property suddenly acquired by their kids.

The 10-foot albino Burmese python, Gloria, stabbed extensively "in the neck" by the thugs appears to be recovering. They claim the 15 snakes still unaccounted for were released into the desert -- if true, they will not survive out of their habitat.

Tags: Reptile Killers Caught, Python, Animal Cruelty

Greenhouse at Sunrise

Four photos of a greenhouse complex east of Las Cruces.




Tags: Greenhouse

Welcome to Las Cruces

This is the only sign welcoming you to the Las Cruces. The design is almost constructivist. The Organ Mountains can be seen in the background.

Tags: Las Cruces

Reward Offered for Reptile Killers

A $1,000 reward has been offered for information on the thugs who broke into the Las Cruces Reptile Rescue facility and killed many of the animals. Here are some details of the attack:

The killers (there had to be more than one) used several knives, a fireplace poker and at least 2 frying pans to beat the animals to death. They hit the animals so hard that they broke off the handles of both frying pans. They also injured several turtles by smashing stones onto their shells.

If you have any information on these heartless goons, call:

(505) 526-8000 or (800) 897-2746.

These numbers can be called 24/7.

Tags: Reward Offered, Reptile Killers

Organ Mountains - East Side

The Organ Mountains are unusually narrow for a mountain range and are bounded on both sides by desert.

Here are several views of the east side of the Organs. Las Cruces is on the opposite (western) side.




The extensive rains of the last month have turned much of the desert green, and have produced explosions of wildflowers. Here's an east view of the Organs over a huge patch of sunflowers.


Tags: Organ Mountains East View

Deadline Passes

The deadline set by the Las Cruces Blackmailer passed yesterday (Friday) with no consequences. The Blackmailer had threatened the city with random shootings if not paid "cash." The amount of money demanded has been withheld from the public.

The local paper reported that school attendance was down, but there was little other sign of people's behavior being affected.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Blackmail Deadline Passes

Guard on Standby

In response to threats to city residents by an unknown blackmailer, the Las Cruces National Guard has been placed on standby.

Tags: National Guard

Reptile Rescue Fundraiser

On September 11, thugs who remain uncaught broke into the facilities of Las Cruces Reptile Rescue and killed and stole numerous reptiles. They also trashed the facility beyond use.

A fundraiser for the organization will be held Sunday, September 24, from 2 to 4 pm at the Court Youth Center.

For more details, call (505) 680-6675 or (505) 680-6082.

About 15 snakes and 30 turtles remain missing. If you have any information on this crime, call (505) 525-1911.

Tags: Reptile Rescue Fundraiser

Las Cruces Police Statement

The Las Cruces Police Department has issued this statement to the public:

Hello, I'm Las Cruces Police Chief Harry Romero.

As I'm sure you are aware, the city of Las Cruces has received letters from a suspected extortionist demanding a certain amount of money.

The letters state that if the demand for money is not met, Las Cruces residents will be shot at random.

The citizens of Las Cruces should know that we are doing everything possible to identify and apprehend the person responsible for writing these letters.

We are using the most advanced forensics and technical equipment available to examine the documents.

We are receiving many leads each day and are vigorously perusing each one of them.

Local, state and federal authorities are united in this effort. We will not stop in this pursuit of justice.

We are confident that with the public's assistance, we will arrest and prosecute the person responsible for making these threats to the fullest extent of the law.

Everyone needs to know that making threats of violence against the good people of Las Cruces is a serious crime and that will not be tolerated.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Las Cruces Police Statement

LCPD Issues Video

The Las Cruces Police Department has issued a video message by Chief Harry Romero to the citizens of Las Cruces regarding the Las Cruces Blackmailer.

The video is here.

Tags: LCPD Video

$51,000 Reward

The reward for information leading to the capture and prosecution of the Las Cruces Blackmailer has been increased to $51,000.

The previous amount has been doubled, thanks to five local businesses. The businesses are:

First Community Bank
Borman AutoPlex
Sisbarro Dealerships
Bravo Chevrolet Cadillac
Jack Key Motors

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Las Cruces Blackmailer, Reward Doubled

Whole Enchilada Fiesta

The 26th annual Whole Enchilada Fiesta will be held September 22-24.

The event offerings include music, a motorcycle and car show, parade, carnival, boxing, and the world's largest enchilada. All kinds of food and drink will be available.

The location is the Meersheidt/Hadley Sports Complex in Las Cruces. Here's a map:



See the Whole Enchilada Fiesta web site for more details.

In light of the threats by the Las Cruces Blackmailer, the security at the Fiesta will be extensive.

Tags: Whole Enchilada Fiesta, Las Cruces Blackmailer

Full Police Alert

Las Cruces officials have cancelled all vacation time for city police and say that every available officer will be on duty today and Friday.

County, State, and Federal law officers will also be on duty.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Full Police Alert

Deadline Friday

No pun intended.

Friday, September 22, is the deadline given by the Las Cruces Blackmailer. He says he must be paid by that date, or he starts shooting citizens:

We basically came or were told to come and obtain... cash. ...if they did not meet our deadline with the $ reesidents of your city would be randomly selected and shot.

The deletions are by authorities, to hold back information.

The Las Cruces Police Department says they will mobilize full resources leading up to Friday.

Friday is the first day of the annual Whole Enchilada Fiesta, which typically attracts 50,000 or more visitors. The organizers plan to have extensive security to protect the attendees.

Here's the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:

(505) 635-9934

Tags: Blackmail Deadline Released

$26,000 Offered

A reward of $26,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person trying to blackmail Las Cruces.

To report any information, call (505) 635-9934.

Tags: Reward Offered

Blackmail Letter Released

Here's a photocopy of the blackmail letter sent to the Las Cruces Sun-News. The black areas cover details not being released. The author's writing style appears to be intentionally manipulated.


The text was posted in this blog entry.

Tags: Photocopy Blackmail Letter

"Your city is in danger."

The Las Cruces Sun-News has published excerpts of the threatening letter sent to the city of Las Cruces. The Sun-News is holding back details such as deadlines, dates, and the blackmail amount demanded.

Here is what was released:

Editor:

We arrived in your city.... We explained to mayor/manager mayor and police about our purpose in your city.

We basically came or were told to come and obtain... cash. ...if they did not meet our deadline with the $ reesidents of your city would be randomly selected and shot.

Maybe you already know what you have read so far -- if not ask your city leaders. We just thought you would like to know why bodies will be falling if demands are not met.... City leaders have all the details... and other details. $ delivered and we leave peacefully.

(In)... the past we have been paid by others to find a designated target and stop it from existing -- now we are looking for payment to let the target exist....

Your city is in danger.

Tags: Blackmail Letter Released

Shooting Rumors Engulf City

Wild rumors of several people shot as a result of the blackmail threat made public yesterday caused a lot of anxiety today.

One NMSU professor announced to her class that two people had been killed and sent all her students home in fear.

It appeared that there was extra security present around city and county buildings today, but officials said that the additional security was a result of the original threats, not the rumors spreading today.

Police have established a tip line for anyone with information about the blackmail threats, (505) 635-9934.

Tags: Shooting Rumors Engulf Las Cruces

City Threatened by Shooter

City officials and the local newspaper have received letters threatening random shootings if an undisclosed ransom amount is not paid.

Officials have not disclosed the contents of the letters or the amount demanded. The letter is described as handwritten in an unusual writing style. The letters set a deadline by which the blackmail must be paid or shootings will begin.

People are being told to be extra attentive, but to go about their normal business.

Tags: Shooter Threatens Las Cruces, City Blackmailed

Guardsmen Honored

Members of the National Guard from the Las Cruces area who recently returned from service in Afghanistan were honored with a parade and ceremony today. The Guardsmen served in the 93rd Troop Command as part of Task Force Phoenix.

The ladder of a Las Cruces firetruck flew the American flag.



Tags: National Guardsmen Honored

Bee Yard

A bee yard just outside of Las Cruces.


Ideally, bees should be located where they get some shade and near water. These hives are about 2,000 feet from the Rio Grande.

Tags: Bee Yard

Tornado, Hail, Flooding

A severe storm moved through Las Cruces yesterday, producing a tornado, up to quarter-sized hail, and some flooding. The tornado was sighted moving toward the city from the west, but did no damage and apparently was small.

Here's a photo of the leading edge of the storm.


Tags: Tornado, Hail

Desert Flowers

The extensive recent rains have lead to a greening and flowering in the desert around Las Cruces that is rare in recent times. Here are a few photos taken yesterday.



A 3-foot barrel cactus:


The flowers always grow at the top of the plant.



Tags: Desert Flowers, Chihuahuan Desert

Reptile Rescue Hit by Thugs

Las Cruces Reptile Rescue is a volunteer operation by local residents that provides care for lost or abandoned reptiles.

Yesterday, unknown thugs broke into the home where the Rescue facility is located. Besides trashing the home and stealing property, these miscreants killed a number of the reptiles, including 3 pythons, 2 gray-banded king snakes, a bearded dragon, and a round-tail horned lizard.

A 10-foot albino Burmese python was stabbed multiple times, but will probably survive.

The police say that attacking the reptiles was the reason for the crime.

I had a personal experience with Reptile Rescue about two years ago.

I was driving near my home when suddenly a dog ran in front of me -- then with a shock I realized it was a huge lizard! I knew that such an animal wouldn't survive in the city, or the surrounding desert, so I jumped out and caught it. It was quite a chase, but I managed to catch it without hurting it -- or getting bit.

Here are several photos:




I couldn't take care of it, so I called the Animal Shelter. They recommended Reptile Rescue, which I then called. They said they'd have someone out to get it within 20 minutes, and they did.

While I was waiting, I discovered it was extremely thirsty.

Here's the web site for Las Cruces Reptile Rescue. They have posted these details about the attack:

The killers (there had to be more than one) used several knives, a fireplace poker and at least 2 frying pans to beat the animals to death. They hit the animals so hard that they broke off the handles of both frying pans. They also injured several turtles by smashing stones onto their shells.

They are accepting donations for repair of the facilities, estimated to be at least $6,000.

Tags: Las Cruces Reptile Rescue Albino Burmese Python

Gold and Black

Las Cruces sunset.

La Entrada Monument

As part of the process of redesigning the Las Cruces downtown (most would say fixing the previous huge mistakes), the La Entrada Monument must be moved to a new location. The Monument stands now in the middle of what will be an extension of Main Street.

The Monument consists of two half-circle walls that commemorate the arrival of Spanish culture into the Mesilla Valley.




Anthony Pennock, the artist who created the Monument in 1997, will supervise its removal and reconstruction.

Mr. Pennock is a native Las Crucen.

Tags: La Entrada Monument, Anthony Pennock

Las Cruces Skyscape

A beautiful Las Cruces evening sky, looking west.

Tags: Skyscape

Pluto Protest - "Save the Planet!"

Friends of astronomy in Las Cruces organized a friendly "Pluto Protest" Friday on the NMSU campus.


The protest was directed against the "official" demotion of Pluto to a non-planet.

Las Cruces has a very direct interest in Pluto. Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered the planet on February 18, 1930, joined the NMSU faculty in 1955. His legacy in astronomy, and in astronomy in this area, is monumental.

Patsy Tombaugh, 93, Clyde's widow joined the protest.

Tags: Pluto Protest, Clyde Tombaugh

More Rain - 9/2/06

The rain continues to fall, which is welcomed, but when rain falls in the desert, it's often intense, creating flooding and erosion.

Here's a shot of the rain coming down at this moment.

Hatch Chile Festival

In spite of the rain and flooding, the 2006 Hatch Valley Chile Festival will open as planned. The cost of the Festival is $5. One dollar of the fee goes to a non-profit fund for the victims of the recent flooding in Hatch.

Here's the Saturday schedule:

Saturday -- September 2
10 am -- Parade Downtown Hatch
12 noon -- 2006 Queen Coronation
1-3 pm -- Music by Ginny Mac
All Afternoon Various Chile Contests, Booths, Food
4-7 pm -- Music and Dance to "The Silver Bullet Band"

Here's the Sunday schedule:

Sunday -- September 3
12 pm -- Cobre Folklorio Dancers
All Afternoon Various Chile Contests, Booths, Food
1-2 pm -- Music by Scotty Fitch
2 pm -- Queen's Auction
3-5 pm -- Music & Dance by Cameron the DJ

This is the 35th annual festival.

Official Web Site

Tags: Hatch Chile Festival