Author: KYMA

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – There are new developments in the case of two suspects arrested after police found a toddler’s remains last week.

A two-year-old found dead in a Yuma home, now his mother and her boyfriend are behind bars charged with first-degree murder.

Along with the murder charge, both suspects were also booked on one count of abandoning or concealing dead body parts.

“They deserve to be in there. They deserve to rot in jail,” said Ethan Aguerro, father of the suspected dead child.

The suspects are being held at the Yuma County Detention Center on a bond of $2 million.

“Through the investigation, remains were located, within the residence that goes with the size of a two-year-old, taken into custody were the biological mother and her boyfriend,” said Sgt. Lori Franklin with Yuma Police Department Public Affairs.

Aguerro believes that child is his son Kano Aguerro. He says he has not seen his son since March despite making several attempts to do so.

“When I heard about the news, I just completely broke down. I was just in so much pain, I was just crying so much, I was screaming, I was yelling, ‘I just wish that it wasn’t real, I just think it’s all a dream,’ but it’s not,” said Aguerro.

We asked the police when the child may have died and if there were any physical signs of abuse on the boy’s body, but police say the case is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, the mother and the boyfriend are set to appear in court on June 3 where they will face formal charges.

If you would like to donate to the family’s GoFundMe, click the link HERE.

“I could really use the help. I’ve never done any of this before, so…I’m not really sure what to do. It’s just whatever people can help me with, whatever they can donate, it’s very much appreciated,” Aguerro says.

The investigation is ongoing, and if anyone has any information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Cancer survivors and caregivers celebrated at the Relay for Life Gala Sunday.

The fight against cancer took center stage as Relay for Life hosted its Fourth Annual Survivor & Caregiver Gala in honor of National Cancer Survivor Day.

The event celebrated the resilience of survivors and the strength of the loved ones who supported them through their journeys.

“So we are here for National Cancer Survivor Day. We are here to celebrate our survivors and their caregivers. This is our Fourth Annual Gala, and we just want to celebrate the strength and resilience of all of our survivors and celebrate them being here with us,” said Amber Thornton with Relay for Life.

Organizers say proceeds from the event support cancer research, patient programs, and advocacy all in the name of ending cancer for good.

The night served as a reminder that hope, when shared together, is a powerful force.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Police Department (YPD) and the Yuma Fire Department (YFD) responded to a house fire which left two people dead.

Both agencies, in a joint press release, said the fire happened before 11:30 p.m. Saturday in the area of S. 10th Avenue and W. 16th Street.

Crews from YFD arrived on scene and found “heavy smoke coming from multiple openings of the home,” with Yuma Engine 4 entering the home and finding a person who was unconscious.

Yuma Engine 2 then entered the home and found another person who was also unconscious.

Both of them were removed from the home while Yuma Battalion Chief 1 upgraded the fire to a second alarm, with additional resources responding to the area.

Crews then conducted an additional search of the house as well as “conduct firefighting operations.” After completing the search, crews immediately exited the home “due to intensive fire conditions,” with them battling the fire to make sure the fire did not spread.

Both agencies said the home appeared to be cleared and no one else was found.

While no firefighter injures were reported, the two people removed from the home, a 32-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, were pronounced dead on scene.

YPD’s Investigations Unit were called to take over the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and if anyone has any information regarding the case, call YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

If anyone’s information leads to an arrest, they may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Residential Fire, Deceased Persons 25-33582Download

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Three people are in custody following a series of early morning raids at massage parlors in Yuma.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with local and state partners, executed five search warrants Thursday targeting what authorities describe as “illicit massage businesses” along Fourth Avenue.

Law enforcement activity was seen at several locations, including Swan Massage on 14th Place, Panda Massage near 26th Street, and Samsara Spa near 27th Street. HSI confirmed three arrests were made, two on state prostitution charges and one on immigration violations.

Several residents witnessed the raids and described a large law enforcement presence, including officers carrying automatic weapons.

“You don’t see that in Yuma at all. Like, oh my god,” said Jessie Ozuna, a local resident. “For you to see all those officers with automatic weapons…Oh my god. I was like, ‘Oh hell no.’ Something bad was going on there for sure.”

Other neighbors raised concerns about the impact of such businesses on their community.

“It’s unsafe, especially by a recovery center,” said Arlena Thompson. “We have a lot of young ones we’re trying to keep off drugs and alcohol, and now this…it’s just right there.”

“Probably cause they are doing some illegal stuff…If you look online, you can research what that illegal stuff is,” added Yuma local Austin Nelson.

Thursday’s raids follow another operation earlier this month.

On May 13, HSI agents served a state search warrant at Beijing Spa near 16th Street and 7th Avenue. That case, which involved assistance from Yuma Police and U.S. Border Patrol, did not result in any arrests. It’s currently unclear whether the two operations are connected.

HSI says the current investigation remains active. The names of those arrested have not been released. We’ve reached out to officials for additional details and will provide updates as we learn more.

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Marcos Icahuate

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro will be giving updates in a meeting on prioritizing downtown projects.

The meeting will be held at the Old Post Office Pavilion (230 S. 5th Street) on Tuesday, June 10 at 9 a.m.

Locals are invited to share their input on how to invest into Downtown El Centro.

“This is about listening to our community and ensuring Downtown El Centro reflects the needs and visionof our residents,” said Mayor Sonia Carter. “We want everyone’s voice to be part of the process as wework to create a safer, more welcoming, and economically vibrant downtown.”

Locals are encouraged to discuss and give feedback on projects for the area.

Light refreshments will be provided.

A survey will also be available on the City’s website.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A new federal budget proposal backed by President Donald Trump is raising alarm bells across Arizona, especially in Yuma County, where nearly one in three residents rely on Medicaid for their health care.

The proposal aims to cut federal funding for Medicaid and nutrition assistance programs nationwide, giving states more control over how those services are run. Supporters argue the shift could improve efficiency, but many locals say the move would hurt the most vulnerable.

“It’s gonna get worse, that’s for sure,” said Yuma resident Guillermo Coronado. “I just don’t know what this guy is thinking.”

Another local, Cynthia Leon, worries about the practical impact of reducing access to affordable care.

“I think there are a lot of lower-income people who deserve the assistance and need it for good health,” she said. “So yes, I do think it will affect a lot of people.”

David Lara, a local business owner and County Recorder, sees some merit in trimming waste from the system, so long as it doesn’t affect essential care.

“When you eliminate fraud and abuse and waste, you’re actually not cutting from the programs,” Lara said. “You’re only making it more efficient. You’re taking that money and giving it to where the people actually need it.”

Dr. Robert Trenschel, CEO of Onvida Health, says recent revisions to the proposal have softened some of the most troubling requirements, but that doesn’t mean local hospitals are in the clear.

“Many of the more bothersome or worrisome requirements were taken out of the bill, so we’re appreciative of that,” Trenschel said. “But we don’t know what’s going to get thrown into the bill in the Senate. So I think…caution is the way forward.”

For hospitals like Onvida, where budgets are already tight, even small cuts could have major consequences.

“It’s a constant struggle for organizations that really operate on very thin margins and provide an essential service to the community,” Trenschel added. “If we’re not here doing what we do, people have to go 180 miles to Phoenix or San Diego to get that care.”

Lawmakers are still debating the future of the budget proposal, and it remains unclear how it will change as it moves through the U.S. Senate.

In the meantime, many in Yuma County are bracing for what could be a significant shift in the healthcare safety net

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Summer is around the corner and Z Fun Factory, as well as Waylon’s Water World, are preparing for the fun with events and specials.

Waylon’s Water World will be hosting a Junior Lifeguard Camp from June 30 to July 2. Kids ages 9-17 are invited to the camp to learn water safety, CPR, first aid basics, and more.

In June, the water park’s admission will be $29.99 and kids under 18 will receive a $10 arcade card.

On 4th of July, food, beverages and admission will be on sale.

Meanwhile, Z Fun Factory will be offering several specials through the summer.

Read more information on the specials here.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A man was arrested for armed robbery, according to Yuma Police Department (YPD).

On May 27, at about 12:50 a.m., officers were called about a robbery at the Circle K located on 2409 S. 8th Avenue.

YPD says a man went behind a clerk and pressed an object on her back while demanding money. The suspect then left the area with stolen money and in a white Ford Expedition.

The suspect’s truck was found on May 28, at about 7:29 p.m. at another Circle K on 2505 W. 8th Street.

Officers approached the truck when a man in the passenger seat slid into the driver’s seat and drove off with a 10-year-old girl in the back seat, leaving the girl’s mother at the Circle K.

Officers chased the truck into Winterhaven when the vehicle got stuck on railroad tracks.

The 39-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into Imperial County Jail. The 10-year-old was unharmed, according to YPD.

YPD says no injuries were reported and the case is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Justice Maria Elena Cruz officially took her seat on the Arizona Supreme Court during a special investiture ceremony held Friday morning at the Pivot Point Conference Center in Yuma.

The event marked a historic moment for the community, as Cruz became the first Afro-Latina to serve on the state’s highest court.

Surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues, Cruz was celebrated not just for her legal achievements, but for her deep ties to Yuma, the place where she was raised and where she continues to live.

“The American dream we talk about is still alive,” said Hon. David Haws, Presiding Judge for Yuma County. “Look what a person can accomplish with hard work. Dedication, perseverance, resilience. She came from humble beginnings in a rural county to the highest court in the state, and she did it all on her own merits.”

Cruz was appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs in March, following a nomination process that included unanimous approval from the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments.

Before joining the Supreme Court, Cruz served on the Arizona Court of Appeals and previously held judgeships with the Cocopah Indian Tribe and Yuma County Superior Court.

In addition to her legal work, Cruz is known for her bilingual advocacy and commitment to increasing access to justice.

“She has spoken at so many conferences and presentations. I couldn’t list them all,” said Hon. David B. Gass, Chief Judge of the Arizona Court of Appeals. “She has traveled across this country and Mexico, giving those presentations in English and Spanish so that she could espouse the importance of the book of law and access to justice.”

Cruz emphasized her continued connection to the community, stating that although her new role does not require her to live in Yuma, she chooses to stay.

“The law does not require me anymore to live in Yuma,” Cruz said. “I don’t have to be a resident, but I am, and I hold myself accountable to this community, and I will continue to be a part of it so that I never lose the perspective of the community that raised me.”

Justice Cruz’s investiture followed a special session of the Arizona Supreme Court’s Oral Arguments on the Road, also held at Pivot Point the day before.

The ceremony not only honored Cruz’s personal journey, but also symbolized the enduring spirit of Yuma and the possibilities for future generations.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Colorado River State Historic Park unveiled its newest exhibit, “The Colorado River: lifeblood of the Yuma community.”

The exhibit dives into a variety of themes, including the history of the Bureau of Reclamation’s role in water management.

It also shows the impact of local irrigation districts, water rights in the west, and the influence of the Colorado River compact agreement.

Park Manager Tammy Snook shares how vital the river is to our community.

“Everything ties back to the colorado river and it provides support for all these communities in the southwest including ours. It provides our drinking water and also supports the agricultural industry,” said Snook.

This new installation was made possible by grant funding from the Arizona Community Foundation, which allowed the park to create interactive interpretive panels.

Make sure to check it out!

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