3rd border activist convicted in Arizona killings

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A third border activist has been convicted of killing a southern Arizona man and his young daughter in a 2009 home invasion.

A Pima County Superior Court jury deliberated five hours Friday before finding 44-year-old Albert Gaxiola guilty of first-degree murder.

Jurors must now decide if the circumstances of the case warrant consideration of the death penalty. If they do, the Arizona Daily Star says defense attorneys will present mitigation evidence.

Gaxiola’s two co-defendants, both from Washington state, already have been convicted in the case and sentenced to death.

Authorities say three people dressed as law enforcement officers allegedly forced their way into the victims’ home in Arivaca, south of Tucson, on May 30, 2009.

They say 29-year-old Raul Junior Flores and his 9-year-old daughter Brisenia were fatally shot.

___

Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.azstarnet.com