Jury selection underway for twin brothers’ Yuma murder trial

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Jury selection is underway for the trial of the twin brothers charged with murdering a Yuma teen back in 2022.

25-year-old David and Adrian Perez-Arzola are both charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and aggravated assault.

Yuma police say the shooting happened in May of 2022, leading to the death of a 15-year-old boy, and injuring another. 

Opening statements could begin as early as Wednesday. 

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Gonzalez Urges Newsom to Reverse $700M IHSS Cuts Targeting Disabled, Rural Californians

Garrett Hottle

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez is calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to immediately withdraw a proposal that would slash $700 million from California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), program a move Gonzalez says would devastate seniors, people with disabilities, and rural families across the state.

“IHSS is not a luxury…it is a lifeline,” said Gonzalez, speaking Tuesday at a press conference on the Capitol steps in Sacramento. “Cutting this support puts real people at risk, especially families in rural areas and families raising those with disabilities.”

Gonzalez, whose son has cerebral palsy, was joined by fellow lawmakers, caregivers, and advocates who said the proposed cap on caregiver overtime and travel would force some families into crisis.

“These cuts would force families to make impossible choices: between work and care, between safety and survival,” Gonzalez said. “Governor Newsom must find a way to balance the budget without cutting critical care away from the people who need it the most. It is absolutely unacceptable.”

The IHSS program supports in-home care for low-income seniors and people with disabilities, allowing them to live independently rather than in institutions. Advocates warn the proposed cuts would not only strain families, but also threaten caregiver jobs and lead to increased costs elsewhere in the healthcare system.

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Fighting to be Heard: Impact of fights on student mental health in the Valley

Angela Chen

As the school year comes to a close, KESQ is taking a deeper look into the psychology behind school fights and what schools are doing to address it. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened behavior issues across the nation,  and schools had to pivot to address the troubling trend. These fights can create hostile environments and affect student mental health.

“I think it can cause a lot of fear and anxiety and sadness in the kids that are viewing it [the fights],” said Melissa Hawkins, a mental health therapist at the Betty Ford Center. “I also think it questions their own safety, right? Like, am I going to be safe? Is this going to happen to me?” 

Here in the Coachella Valley, parents and students sent videos of fights into the KESQ newsroom. Now, years later, fights continue to be an issue at some schools.

I-team reporter Angela Chen looked into school suspensions across the desert — and found an interesting shift.

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Prineville woman killed, Redmond man seriously injured in Highway 126 head-on crash

Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: OSP releases names, details)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Prineville woman was killed and a Redmond man was seriously injured in a head-on two-vehicle crash Monday morning on Highway 126 in southeast Redmond, Oregon State Police confirmed Tuesday.

OSP troopers, Redmond Fire medics and Redmond Police rushed to the scene of the crash, which occurred around 9:40 a.m. Monday near Southeast Veterans Way and the Redmond Airport.

Troopers said their preliminary investigation found that Carrie Jane Wilson, 45, of Prineville, was driving a Kia Sol SUV heading west when she crossed the center line for unknown reasons and struck an eastbound Ford F-250 driven by Richard Alex Byron Szymanski, 67, of Redmond, head-on.

Wilson died at the crash scene, OSP said. Szymanski suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital. Troopers said he was not wearing a seat belt.

The crash and investigation closed the highway for about three hours.

OSP said the cause of the crash is under investigation. Troopers were assisted by the Redmond Police Department and ODOT.

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Idahoans can get out and fish for free on Saturday

Sam Ross

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI)– The Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s annual ‘Free Fishing Day’ returns Saturday, June 14, and regional offices are hosting events to make it even easier to catch the big one.

Free Fishing Day has been an annual tradition on the second Saturday in June since 1992. Idahoans can fish without a license anywhere in the state open for fishing; bag limits, size restrictions, and area closures stay in effect.

“Free Fishing Day is just a great way to get the public engaged in fishing,” said Jennifer Jackson, communications manager for Fish and Game Southeast Region. “…It’s a great opportunity to get them outside and enjoying the outdoors and enjoying the sport of fishing, and maybe it will reconnect them to that or introduce them to a sport that can be with them for a lifetime.”

Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region is hosting two Free Fishing Day events from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello and the Grace Fish Hatchery in Grace. At the events, Fish and Game will provide help for first-time anglers and bait and tackle to use for the day until supplies last.

For more information, or to find Free Fishing Day events near you, visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game website.

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New Jersey man gored by bison in Yellowstone

Seth Ratliff

YELLOWSTONE (KIFI) — A 30-year-old man from Randolph, New Jersey, is recovering after being gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, June 10, underscoring the importance of keeping a safe distance from the wildlife.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), a large group of visitors had gotten too close to the animal, leading to the incident. Fortunately, the man only sustained minor injuries and was treated and transported by emergency medical personnel.

This marks the second reported incident of a person being injured by a bison in Yellowstone this year. The first occurred on May 7. There were also two reported incidents in 2024 and one in 2023, highlighting a persistent safety challenge for the park.

The Parks service reminds all visitors that “wildlife in Yellowstone are wild and can be dangerous.” For more information on how to stay safe while visiting the park, click HERE.

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Update on Train Derailment: No immediate timeline for full cleanup, Intersection remains closed

Seth Ratliff

UPDATE:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — The intersection of 2900 E and Highway 20 near St. Anthony remains indefinitely closed following a train derailment. Eastern Idaho Railroad, the railroad company involved, informed Local News 8 via email that they currently have no timeline for the complete cleanup of the scene or for rebuilding the affected section of the railroad, due to the location.

However, Eastern Idaho Railroad anticipates the affected crossing will reopen in “3-4 days.”

With the intersection remaining closed, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office is advising drivers who typically use this “cut-off road” to find alternate routes.

The cause of the derailment has not yet been released.

ORIGINAL:

FREMONT COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A train derailment near Chester has forced the indefinite closure of the intersection of 2900 E and Highway 20, around six miles north of St. Anthony, causing significant travel disruptions. While the incident has resulted in substantial damage, authorities confirm there are no reported injuries.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office announced the closure via a Facebook post, urging drivers who typically use this “cut-off road” to seek alternate routes.

Local News 8 is on the scene, where it appears at least four grain cars are visibly overturned, and sections of the train tracks may be heavily damaged.

The cause of the derailment has not yet been released. This is a developing story, and Local News 8 will provide updates as more details become available.

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Imperial County Board of Supervisors names new County Executive Officer

Dillon Fuhrman

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Imperial County Board of Supervisors has appointed Dr. Kathleen Lang as the new County Executive Officer (CEO) during its meeting Tuesday.

According to the County, “The decision marks a significant leadership milestone for the County as it welcomes a knowledgeable and experienced individual with a unique background in the public and private sector and deep ties to the Imperial Valley.”

Prior to her appointment, the County says Dr. Lang worked with the Imperial County Local Health Authority Commission as a representative of HealthNet, successfully implementing key health initiatives “such as California Accountable Communities for Health, Whole Person Care, the Health Home Program, and CalAIM—impacting the lives of more than 100,000 Medi-Cal recipients in the County.”

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Kathleen Lang into this important role,” said Chairman John Hawk.”She brings not only exceptional administrative and leadership experience, but a deep understandingof our region, its people, and its potential. The Board has full confidence in her ability to move theCounty forward with professionalism, transparency, and a spirit of collaboration.”

“I am honored to step into the role of Imperial County Executive Officer, committed to leading withintegrity, transparency, and heartfelt dedication to the people of this county. This community is at theheart of my work, and every decision I’ve made in my 25-year career here has been driven by thevalues of trust, collaboration, and ethical governance. Together, as a community of stakeholderssharing a common vision, we will strengthen public trust, enhance operational efficiency, and create amore resilient and collaborative public sector—one that truly serves the people and reflects theirneeds.”

Dr. Kathleen Lang

As CEO, Lang will oversee “day-to-day operations of the County,” work closely with all departments and the Board to implement policies, “manage resources, and ensure efficient delivery of public services to Imperial County residents,” the County says.

Lang will officially begin her role on June 27.

To learn more about Lang, read the press release below.

IC_PR_CEO_06.10.25Download

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Ventura police arrest Christian Hillariet for 2023 homicide after finding new evidence

Caleb Nguyen

VENTURA, Calif. – Ventura Police detectives from the Major Crimes unit arrested Christian Hillariet for the 2023 homicide of William Thompson after finding new evidence on June 6.

Ventura Police officers initially received word on November 5, 2023, about a possible dead man along the railroad tracks in the 6600 block of Nightengale Street.

First responders arrived to find Thompson dead and ruled the cause of death a homicide after the Ventura County Medical Examiner took evidence from the scene, according to the Ventura Police Department.

VPD detectives found new evidence from the crime this year on June 5 after a long investigation, and later arrested Hillariet for the homicide of William Thompson.

Those with additional information on the case are asked to contact the VPD at the following number.

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Family of Deceased UCSB Student Continues Seeking Community Help for Information

Alissa Orozco

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The family of Elizabeth Hamel is once again reaching out to the public for their assistance in figuring out what exactly happened to the UC Santa Barbara freshman back in February.

On the night of Feb. 14th around 10:26pm, 18-year-old Elizabeth Hamel was found with major head injuries outside San Rafael Hall, an area of UCSB’s main campus adjacent to Isla Vista. It was believed she had fallen several stories from a breezeway balcony, Hamel died six days later from her injuries.

Months passed with little progress in the investigation and little known to the public.

In April, Elizabeth’s father, Alain Hamel, and his attorney and private investigator held a press conference right outside San Rafael Hall where Elizabeth was found.

There they released a previously-edited photo of a young man, believed to be the last person seen with Elizabeth the night of her fall. It sparked a community-wide effort to help identify the individual.

 “If you recognize the individual in the photos or saw anything that night that might be relevant—no matter how small—please come forward. Your information may be key to helping us understand what happened to Liz.”

The press conference resulted in a slight break in the case the following day after UC Santa Barbara police announced they had questioned a person of interest as part of their investigation.

Alain Hamel confirmed with your News Channel that the young man police interviewed is the same individual seen in the photos released by the family’s attorney.

On Tuesday, it was revealed the man in the photo was identified as a resident of Palos Verdes, California.

The academic year at UC Santa Barbara officially ends June 12th, and Elizabeth’s family is reaching out the Isla Vista community or anyone who may have information about her death.

They are still seeking answers to many questions including:   

·        Did anyone hear or see anything between 10 p.m. and 10:21 p.m. Feb. 14, particularly near the San Rafael dorm or Lao Wang’s in Isla Vista? 

·        Does anyone know the man from Palos Verdes, California, who was last seen with Liz, or know why he did not call 911 or come forward after she fell?  

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claytor Investigations by phone or text at 805-335-3851 or email at claytor.investigations@gmail.com.  All tips can remain anonymous. 

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