Category: kyma-local-news

Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Day three of the trial of a Yuma man accused of murder focused on forensic evidence, including testimony from the medical examiner.

40-year-old Nicholas Harder faces one count of first-degree murder in the death of 57-year-old Anthony Jordinelli in May 2023.

In court, Deputy County Attorney Rachel Allocca Guerrero walked the jury through 41 injuries found on Jordinelli.

The medical examiner testified that more than 15 of those injuries were blunt force trauma to the head and neck.

The toxicology report also showed the presence of marijuana, Xanax within a therapeutic range, and methamphetamine.

The medical examiner explained that acute methamphetamine intoxication means a person is under the influence of the drug, affecting them physically, emotionally, or psychologically.

Prosecutors also asked what those levels of methamphetamine could indicate, with testimony suggesting the levels could be consistent with a regular user.

The medical examiner also discussed the victim’s medical history, including a prior brain tumor and surgery.

Prosecutors asked whether that could make someone more vulnerable to injury, and the medical examiner said it could in some cases.

Another key detail shared in court was that the victim was likely still alive when he was placed in the shower where he was later found.

The trial is set to continue Friday.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma Art Center is preparing to welcome families back for a longtime community tradition as the Children’s Festival of the Arts returns this weekend.

Now in its 33rd year, the annual event is designed to celebrate creativity and give local children a chance to explore the arts in a hands-on way.

This year’s festival also ties into America’s upcoming 250th celebration, adding a patriotic theme to the activities.

Organizers say more than 50 “make and take” art booths will be set up, allowing kids to create and take home their own artwork.

Activities will range from simple crafts to interactive projects aimed at inspiring imagination and self-expression.

In addition to the booths, attendees can check out a large student art showcase inside the Yuma Art Center.

“We have over a thousand art pieces from students from Yuma County and Winterhaven,” Christian Magana, the City of Yuma Public Information Officer, said. “So, a lot of things to see and a lot of things to do here at downtown Yuma.”

Organizers say the festival is all about brining the community together while giving children a space to be creative.

The free event begins Saturday at 10 a.m. in Downtown Yuma, both inside and outside the Yuma Art Center.

Families are encourage to attend and take part in one of the region’s largest youth art celebrations.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Yuma City Councilmember Carol Smith is launching her bid for reelection, emphasizing a platform center on smart growth and responsible spending.

Smith held her campign kickoff event party, brining together supporters as she reflected on her last four years in office and outlined her vision moving forward.

“It’s been a pleasure serving these last four years and I’m just hopeful that the community has seen my dedication to their health and well being,” Smith said. “And I would love to serve for another four years.”

Looking ahead, Smith says one of her top priorities is ensuring the city’s growth is carefully planned and financially sustainable.

She stressed the importance of aligning future decisions with Yuma’s long-term plans while making sure infrastructure and public services can keep pace.

“We talk about growth but what does that mean. We have to have the infrastructure to grow,” Smith said. “We have to have water, utilities, roads, public safety. If we don’t have those in place before we continue to grow, we have a problem.”

Smith added that responsible growth begins with strong planning, ensuring the city is prepared before taking its next steps forward.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, (ARIZ)-Day four of the Nicholas Harder murder trial continued today as the defense called a witness to the stand to describe what he heard over a phone call.

Jesse Adams, a friend of 40-year-old defendant Nicholas Harder, took the stand and told jurors he was on the phone with Harder when he heard what sounded like a fight.

“You can tell that they were wrestling or fighting and that the other guy clearly was attacking him,” Adams said.

Adams described noises he heard during the roughly 15-minute call: “They knocked over chairs. The table. It sounded like they were fighting in the kitchen. You could tell there was a struggle going on.”

Under questioning from the state, Adams was asked about his ability to observe the incident from Nebraska. When asked whether he could see what was happening, Adams replied, “I can’t see through the phone, no,” and when asked if he knew who, if anyone, attacked the defendant, he said, “I know there was a struggle and that Nick was attacked.”

Harder is charged with first-degree murder and four counts of aggravated assault. He is accused of killing 57-year-old Anthony Jordinelli in May 2023. It is not clear whether the phone call Adams described occurred the night Jordinelli was murdered.

The trial is scheduled to resume next Tuesday, when Harder is expected to testify.

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Moses Femino

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis Fire Department (SLFD) is inviting the community to come out, connect and enjoy a fun and tasty morning at their Third Annual Community Pancake Breakfast.

The event is designed to bring families together with a mix of free food and entertainment, including games, raffles, a dunk tank and opportunities to interact with local firefighters.

SLFD says the goal goes beyond serving breakfast. It’s about building stronger relationships with the people they serve.

“What inspired us was to give back to the community in a way that’s not through emergency response,” Sal Estrada, a SLFD Fire Captain and Paramedic, said. “Meet us in a more informal setting and really get to know us and the department.”

Firefighters say events like this help create more personal connection with residents. Allowing them to see a different side of the department aside from emergency situations.

“We are here just to show the community that they’re more than welcome to have free pancakes,” Beatrice Ortiz, a SLFD Emergency Medical Technician, said. “Get to know our department, get to know all of us and it’s a great time. It’s a great experience.”

The Community Pancake Breakfast will take place Saturday at Fire Station 1.

The event is free and open to the public, with food, family-friendly activities and plenty of opportunities to meet your local firefighters.

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Lauren Duffel

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Behind every grocery store shelf is a story few of us see. Yuma is recognized as the winter lettuce capital of the world and the foundation of American agriculture. H-2A workers are a big part of that story.

“They are very hard workers. It’s hard to replace those employees,” said Valentin Sierra of Amigo Farms.

More than 175 different crops are grown in the Yuma area. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Yuma agriculture generated $1.3 billion in direct sales in 2022.

But those numbers only tell part of the story. The fields are tended by H-2A guest workers who are the backbone of this operation year after year.

“We have dedicated workers through the H-2A guest program that have been with the company for about 20 years. They keep coming back every year. They know our policies and rules, our safety program. Some of them could probably run the crews themselves. They are very important to us — they are very dedicated workers. We trust them. They are safe, and it makes it all better for the company and the produce when you’re receiving it,” Sierra said.

The H-2A visa program was officially established in 1986 and is one of the most popular programs in the U.S. for temporary and seasonal agricultural workers. 8,000 workers in Yuma County are certified H-2A visa holders.

“What they earn in a week working there in agriculture they can earn it here in three. That’s why the H-2A program was invented — because some of them just work three days, make what they would make in a week over there and then head back. Then we were short-handed the rest of the week and produce has to be harvested,” Sierra added.

All H-2A agriculture workers are paid an hourly rate of $17.51, mandated by the Department of Labor. These workers make a sacrifice to get paid more working in America than in Mexico.

“If you take advantage of the money you earn here, it’s worth it to wake up and come to work this early in the morning because there are good opportunities to work,” said Ruben De La Rosa, a worker.

Male agriculture workers tend to be the dominant gender in the fields, but this type of work does not discriminate.

“We are treated equal. No — if I am treated different because I’m a woman? No. We are all the same,” said Lucia Patiño, a worker.

H-2A visa workers are the backbone of agriculture, and without them, harvesting wouldn’t be possible. With technology advancing, there’s always a fear that tech could replace their labor.

“It’s very crucial — that’s our backbone. Without them, harvesting wouldn’t be able to get done. Salads wouldn’t be able to get to your table. A lot of companies are turning to automated harvesting, but even that — there’s errors. It’s not going to be 100 percent. There are areas where machines can’t get into where people can, or some of the quality effects are better with hand harvesting instead of automated harvesting,” Sierra said.

As technology continues to evolve and reshape labor, there is still a need for agriculture workers because without them America could be left hungry.

H-2A visa workers are extremely dedicated workers who make sacrifices to make a living doing one of the most thankless jobs: Feeding America.

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Dillon Fuhrman

SAN DIEGO (KYMA) – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) San Diego Field Office says their officers seized 6,130 pounds of narcotics worth over $14 million in March.

According to a press release, CBP says the officers seized 4,484 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,138 pounds of cocaine, 382 pounds of fentanyl and 37 pounds of heroin at the ports of entry in San Ysidro, Otay Mesa and Calexico during enforcement operations.

CBP says the suspects involved in the drug trafficking attempts were all arrested and turned over to Homeland Security Investigations while the officers seized the narcotics and vehicles used for smuggling.

Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Courtesy: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

“The mission at CBP and the San Diego Field Office is clear: protect our borders, safeguard our nation, and ensure the safety of our communities,” said Director of Field Operations for San Diego Sidney K. Aki. “Our officers’ dedication and vigilance led to over $14 million in narcotics seizures in March alone, underscoring our commitment to disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs and protecting our communities.”

CBP says the San Diego Field Office encompasses ports of entry within Southern California. This includes San Ysidro, the San Diego Air and Seaport, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico East/West and Andrade.

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

2026-0415 San Diego CBP Field Office seizes over $14 million — FinalDownload

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma will be participating in an annual Antiterrorism/Force Protection exercise next week.

According to a press release, Semper Durus is taking place at the base from Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24, and it is to test the base’s ability to “conduct command and control and support military forces while responding to a full spectrum of potential threats.”

MCAS Yuma wants to make the community aware of an increase in security on and around the base.

There will also be an increase in first responders, military police, temporary traffic delays at the gates, and use of mass notification systems.

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

02-26 Press Release – Semper Durus 26- MCAS YumaDownload

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Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – BBB often warns consumers against doing business with callers and online companies who don’t have a valid physical address, but scammers are tricky and have found a way to associate an address with their shady dealings.

BBB Scam Tracker reports indicate that many con artists steal online rental listings, including the photos of the house or apartment and the property description, and create their own listings, which look legitimate but contain the scammer’s contact information instead of the property owner’s or rental agent’s.

They may work out a deal with potential buyers or renters over the phone, insisting that because of an emergency or circumstances outside of their control, they are not able to meet in person or show the property.

Instead, they’ll set up a drive by of the property to view from the outside and then, send a contract by mail or email. The entire transaction is done virtually.

Once the contract is signed, they ask for a deposit and first month’s rent. In return, they promise to mail the keys once the funds have cleared.

Sadly, no key arrives. The phone and email address that worked before during the negotiation process are shut down and the cash is gone.

Vacant house scams

Scammers will use vacant addresses to convince unsuspecting renters that they own the place.

They’ll scout out vacant homes that don’t seem well-cared for: A “For Sale” sign, lack of an alarm system, or an unkempt lawn are a few clues.

After identifying a potential client, the vacant home is set up as their own rental listing including tours to potential renters.

In a few cases, renters who thought they had a signed lease and were paying rent, eventually find out who really owns the home months later and have to move out.

Businesses using fake addresses

Common high value items such as RVs, cars, boats, select breed puppies, and brand name clothing, advertised at steeply discounted prices and prompt shipping can be found online on what looks like a trusted website.

The images are harvested from legitimate websites to convince people the products are in stock, ready for delivery.

The address listed for the business is also not as it seems.

A quick web search may reveal the “business address” may be located in a residential area, a vacant place of business, an empty lot, or the same address as a real, but unrelated business.

Tips for renters:

Confirm the identity of the landlord. A legitimate landlord won’t hesitate to show their ID and allow a photo to be taken. Confirm the real property owner by checking county registers.

Know local rental prices. If someone offers a great rental for an extremely low price, compare the same property in the same neighborhood and ask questions.

See the property first. Never sign a lease or make a deposit without seeing the property in person first.

Never wire money to a stranger. Don’t give in to a sob story. Once the wired cash is gone and the deal falls through, there is no way to get the money back. Legitimate landlords should always accept payment by check.

Watch out for red flags. If a property has a “for sale” sign, but the “landlord” wants to rent, ask questions. It’s also suspicious to find a broken lockbox. Check local rental and sales listings. See if the property is on there before going to an open house.

Use the services of a reputable rental agency. Find agents on BBB.org.

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – There are new developments in the case involving the death of a Yuma toddler.

21-year-old Angelina Vasquez has pleaded guilty in court Wednesday to child abuse resulting in death, and she is now facing a presumptive sentence of 17 years in prison, with a possible range of 10 to 24 years.

Her sentencing is scheduled for next month.

Meanwhile, her boyfriend, 24-year-old Miguel Garcia, had pleaded not guilty, and is set to go trial beginning June 9.

The toddler‘s father, Ethan Aguerro, was in court for the hearing, and became emotional as Vasquez’s plea was entered.

The case stemmed from the death of two-year-old Kano Aguerro, who was reported missing last year before his remains were later found at a home in Yuma.

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