U.S. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS DECRIES KILLING OF COCHISE COUNTY RANCHER

Congresswoman calls for swift and strong response
 
 
TUCSON - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today decried the killing of a Cochise County cattle rancher, calling it a horrible tragedy that deserves a swift and strong response.
 
“The cold-blooded killing of an Arizona rancher is a sad and sobering reminder of the threats to public safety that exist in our border communities,” said Giffords. “It has not yet been determined who committed this atrocity or why, but I know that federal and local authorities are mobilizing every possible resource to locate and apprehend the assailant.”
 
The Cochise County Sheriff's Office is investigating the murder of Robert Krentz, who was shot and killed sometime Saturday on his ranch about 25 miles northeast of Douglas. Krentz, 58, was married and the father of three.
 
“If, as suspected, this tragedy was connected to smugglers or drug cartels, the federal government must respond appropriately,” said Giffords, whose 8th Congressional District includes 114 miles of international border. “All options should be on the table, including sending more Border Patrol agents to the area and deploying the National Guard.”
 
Krentz was part of a ranching family that stretches back more than a century to Arizona's territorial days. He has served as president of the Cochise-Graham Cattlegrowers Association and, one year ago today, the Krentz Ranch and family were inducted into the Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame.
 
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the Krentz family and friends as they deal with this senseless and brutal act,” said Giffords. “I can't begin to imagine losing a loved one in such a tragic way. Rob Krentz was a pillar of the Cochise County ranching community. He will be greatly missed.”