Crime

Cartel Spillover? Beheading in Phoenix Has Police Worried

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) — The gruesome case of a man who was stabbed and beheaded in a suburban Phoenix apartment has police investigating whether the killing is potentially the most extreme example of Mexican drug cartel violence spilling over the border.

Martin Alejandro Cota-Monroy’s body was found Oct. 10 in a Chandler apartment — his severed head a couple feet away. One man suspected in the killing has been arrested, and a manhunt is under way for three others.

Detectives are focused on whether the men belong to a Mexican drug cartel, and they suspect that Cota-Monroy’s killing was punishment for stealing drugs. The brutal nature of the killing could be designed to send a message to others within the cartel.

“If it does turn out to be a drug cartel out of Mexico, typically that’s a message being sent,” said Chandler police Detective David Ramer. “This person was chosen to be executed. It sends a message to other people: If you cross us, this is what happens.”

Decapitations are a regular part of the drug war in Mexico as cartels fight over territory. Headless bodies have been hanged from bridges by their feet, severed heads have been sent to victims’ family members and government officials, and bags of up to 12 heads have been dropped off in high-profile locations.

More than 28,000 people have been killed in Mexico in drug-related violence since December 2006, when President Felipe Calderon deployed soldiers to battle the cartels in their strongholds.

If the suspects in the Arizona case belong to a cartel, the crime could be the only known beheading in the U.S. carried out by a drug cartel, said Tony Payan, a political science professor at the University of Texas at El Paso who has done extensive research about border violence.

The killing could also affect the immigration debate in Arizona. Supporters of the state’s controversial immigration law frequently cite this type of violence as reason to crack down on illegal immigrants. The decapitation victim and the suspects were all illegal immigrants.

Republican Gov. Jan Brewer drew criticism this year for claiming that headless bodies were being found in the Arizona desert as she sought to bolster her argument for immigration reform. She later backtracked on those claims, but said such violence in the broader border region is cause enough for alarm.

The killing has unnerved residents in the neighborhood and apartment complex where Cota-Monroy was killed.

The tiny, run-down complex sits along a side street across from ramshackle trailer homes in a neighborhood not far from brand-new strip malls with big-box stores in the suburb of Chandler.

No one is living inside the apartment that is the scene of the crime. There’s beat-up leather furniture, a bouquet of flowers and a candle on a dining-room table, and the kitchen cabinets are ajar, as if someone left in a hurry.

“I’m terrified,” said Norma Alvarado, a 47-year-old housekeeper who lives two doors down from the apartment. “I‘ve lived here for 20 years and I’ve never heard of that (decapitation) happening, and it was so close to us … Maybe they‘re copying what’s happening in Mexico.”

Alvarado, who lives alone with her three children, said she’s moving the family away from the complex out of fear that those responsible will return to the area looking for revenge.

The victim and three of the suspects had traveled to Chandler from where they were living in Paris, Calif., and were staying at a hotel. They met the two men who live in the apartment at a bar the night of the killing, and the group returned to the apartment.

The killing occurred around 5 a.m. after the men living there were out of sight, one sleeping in a bedroom and the other outside talking to his girlfriend. They stumbled upon Cota-Monroy’s decapitated body and called police.

Three of the suspects had fled, but police say a fourth suspect who lived in the apartment complex went home. Crisantos Moroyoqui, 36, was found sleeping inside wearing pants covered in blood.

Shortly before the killing, Moroyoqui was heard asking Cota-Monroy: “Who are you? Who are you?” in an aggressive tone, according to a police report.

Moroyoqui was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and hindering prosecution. He pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and has refused to speak to police. He declined to speak with The Associated Press.

The other suspects have been identified as Jose David Castro Reyes, 25; Isai Aguilar Morales, 22, and a man between the ages of 20 and 27 only known by the nickname “El Joto,” a derogatory Spanish term for a gay man.

They are believed to have fled to Mexico, making it very difficult to locate them.

While extreme violence has stayed south of the border for the most part, some of it has spilled over into the U.S.

In March, Arizona rancher Robert Krentz was gunned down while checking water lines on his property near the border. Authorities believe — but have never produced substantive proof — that an illegal immigrant, likely a scout for drug smugglers, was to blame for his killing.

In May 2009, a Mexican drug cartel lieutenant who became an informant for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was shot eight times outside his pricey home in El Paso. The lieutenant, Jose Daniel Gonzalez Galeana, was living in Texas on a visa that ICE gave him, and is believed to be the first ranking cartel member killed in the U.S.

Payan described the spillover as minimal, but said it could increase.

“The cartels warring in Mexico have operatives in Phoenix, and it is possible they may go after each other in places like that,” he said, but added that cartels are very unlikely to target the general American population. “Our law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies have shown a high degree of competence. In Mexico, they’re nowhere near that level.”

Comments (114)

  • Sledgehammer
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:43pm

    I would like to thank the Department of Homeland Surrender, both house of Congress, and of course Barry Obama! You highly Educated people should, with your armed entorage, be forced to walk through our troubled neighbor hoods, at night! Those of you (if any) that survive, would truly see the real world in a differant light.

    Report Post » Sledgehammer  
    • neverfinal
      Posted on January 19, 2012 at 12:09pm

      These are the same people OB and Holder support. They call our Marines in and punish them, but support this. WTH is going on?
      There is a ton of this going on all around us, but the Communist Media won’t report. It might tarnish their Messiah or prove them, for what and who they are.
      January 9th this month an Oklahoma 19 yr, old girl was raped, tortured and beheaded and not a word from any Communist Media. I now call them all what they are, Communists Traders Media.

      Report Post »  
  • Larry Sheldon
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:42pm

    Quick! name the group that first comes to mind when you hear of beheadings.

    Presbyterians?
    Canadians?
    Texans?
    Baptists?
    Episcopalians?
    Mexicans?
    Catholics?
    Mormons?

    Report Post » Larry Sheldon  
    • leftiesaredangerous
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:04pm

      LOL! Great point!

      Report Post »  
    • jacobstroubles
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:15pm

      the first group that comes to my mind would jihadists, as it is their way and it’s written in their
      dime store comic book, the quran, by that murdering, lying pedofile mooohamid guy. Next I would say mexican drug cartel..

      Report Post »  
    • jacobstroubles
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:20pm

      Ahhhh…uhhhmmm,,, errr… lying, murdering jihadists? Cause it’s written in their dime store comic book, the quaan, which was written by a lying, murdering, pedophile psychopath by the name of moohamid? Second guess, is mexican cartel?

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 4:17pm

      The group that comes to mind are MUSLIMS! Geez …

      Report Post »  
  • FreedomIQ
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:39pm

    Most of us are at risk of potential police violence from our own cops than we are endangered by the cartels, but if we keep importing these savages, it won‘t be long before they’re truly as dangerous as they appear.

    I’m not sure why our police in Phoenix are afraid though. Isn’t this bringing their departments more business and media attention? Just a thought.

    Report Post »  
  • betterdeadthanred
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:33pm

    thank you burnthills. The POTUS has declared in full public view, that latinos should join him in punishing his enemies. We The Poeple are his enemies. We are his enemies because we are too stupid to understand the benefits of his political agenda. we are his enemies because we support the Constitution For the United States of America, a document of negative liberties that the POTUS believes the country has moved past. we are his enemies if we have served in this countries armed services in the past. We are his enemies if we fly a don’t tread on me flag. we are his enemies if we display a Ron Paul bumper sticker. I am a proud Arizonan, who is an enemy for having a Governor that is willing to enforce the law. the POTUS is commiting treason in full public veiw. And not one law enforcement official will step up and enforce the law or defend our battered constitution.They must know that the AG will stop any prosecution.The federal Government no longer obeys the law. These poeple don’t even bother to maintain plausible deniability anymore. They are so secure in their power they no longer bother to hide illegal actions.I urge all Americans to arm yourselves.I do not make that statement lightly. there has never been a communist coup that ended without massive bloodshed.The armed populace is the LAST line of defence for the Constitution. All other means of resistance MUST be exhausted first.Don’t start the fight, just win it.

    Report Post »  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:29pm

    I read this right after it happened and waited for ANY national media to pick it up.. NOT A SINGLE one did. what a shame for ALL of the media to bury this story.. if i were in a border state I would be afraid..

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
    • meisterschaft
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:52pm

      Not even Fox?

      Guess that state controlled media fox news is controlling what goes into your brains! Thank god for other outlets! (while we still have them)

      Report Post » meisterschaft  
    • meisterschaft
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:54pm

      p.s.

      I live in phoenix, I am NOT afraid, I have my gun and dogs that will eat any intruder….(or maybe lick them to death)….but I do have my gun!

      This is what the establishment wants, for you and I to be afraid! Don’t let them get to you!

      Report Post » meisterschaft  
  • Star Spangled
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:24pm

    This is sad , our nation is under attack and our government does nothing .
    There are citizens who spend their own money ( and donations ) to help the border patrol . THEY are often hassled by the feds who want them to stop helping catch illegals coming across .
    I know times are tough but if you can spare a few bucks to help them protect our border here’s their websites .
    http://www.minutemanhq.com/hq/
    http://www.minutemanproject.com/

    Report Post » Star Spangled  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:23pm

    AZ citizens better be ready for a race war, no doubts there, with obama telling these mexican criminals that WE AMERICANS are HIS enemies too.

    buy more ammo.
    vote anti-democrat Nov 2.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • meisterschaft
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:50pm

      buy more ammo. = DONE
      vote anti-democrat Nov 2. = DONE

      “locked and loaded, and anit-democrat voted”

      Report Post » meisterschaft  
  • KimNTennessee
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:15pm

    The killers probably stopped and voted on their way back to the border.

    Report Post »  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 9:24pm

      You can bet the DEAD GUY will be voting. Probably TWICE, once for his head and once for his body. That’s only Fair.

      Report Post »  
  • drattastic
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:14pm

    Just the beginning folks. Americans have become a nation of sissies ,wringing our collective hands over this ,scared to speak out over that ,so worried to offend them ,whoever THEY are.Whats the politically thing to say or do here ,how can we be more inclusive there?So terrified of being seen as intolerant,we cease to have any spine .Meanwhile Islamic radicals ,illegal aliens,openly radical leftist communist (in our own government no less)use our own “open minded” horse sh@t against us ,while we lose more and more of our sovereignty ,more and more of our way of life and our founding document gets ripped up ,perverted and trampled .Will Nov. 2nd finally be the beginning of the correction that is long overdue or will we willingly slip into 3rd world status led by the brain damaged ,spineless left.

    Report Post » drattastic  
  • WBOB
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:14pm

    The 10th ammendment.
    What else can I say.

    Report Post » WBOB  
    • meisterschaft
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:48pm

      For those of you that aren’t familiar with “Amendment X” of the “Constitution of the United States”…..lets refresh your memory.

      “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

      now….who do you know that doesn’t like that one????

      Report Post » meisterschaft  
  • OneRepublic4us
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:12pm

    What Arizona needs to do along the border is hand out Spanish language maps directing them to San Fransisco. Make sure the Pelosi house is clearly marked.

    Report Post » OneRepublic4us  
  • Flagwaver
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:08pm

    Well, as long as the government keeps turning a blind eye, and handing over American territory to the cartels, this will happen. Militarize the border. That is going to be the only way to stop it.

    Report Post » Flagwaver  
  • historypaper
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:07pm

    Does Obama Pelosi and Reid realize that this is illegal? Do they realize the people of Az are afraid and needing help. Maybe when Obama gets back from India, and his 800 friends, on your dime, the dope can work on the dope problem and other beheading crimes against the United States. Obama doesnt understand people at all. Whoever voted for him did in fact cause harm to the United States of America. If you voted for Obama I suggest you move to Russia, North Korea, Cuba etc and enjoy the communist view.

    Report Post » historypaper  
    • The Standard Bearer
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 4:19pm

      “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me” comes to mind in this case. Perhaps those that voted for him (I didn’t vote for him) aren’t communist, Maoist, etc, but simply were deceived. If those same people vote to re-elect him, then it would raise my suspicions about their loyalties.

      Of course, I still believe that most that vote for anybody into office that would probably do harm to the republic are those who don’t conduct enough research before voting. I think you’d admit that anybody raised in a CNN/C-SPAN/MSNBC watching home would be very heavily swayed if they don’t counter-balance that with conservative sources of political thought.

      Report Post » The Standard Bearer  
  • roberja
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:57pm

    Will the new congress be able to secure the borders in spite of what obama wants?

    Report Post »  
    • standswithafist
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:22pm

      hopefully they can this emboldens this kind of behavior by bambam’s lip service to garner votes. my prayers for those living and dealing with this on a daily basis. looks like citizens need to send these stories to alternative news sites as the others will not touch these types of stories.

      Report Post » standswithafist  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:29pm

      If congress came up with a viable plan and Obama vetoed it would that be cause enough to call for impeachment?

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:55pm

    why can’t AZ declare itself and its state law sovereign from the Feds,they can certainly prove the Feds are corrupted and pro-mexican gangs, and AZ just plain IGNORE obama and the Feds. how can the Feds do anything, would obama march our MARINES into AZ and commandeer the AZ capital? would obama NUKE Phoenix’s white neighborhoods?

    we see evidence mounting everyday, we are the “enemies”, we have to get in the back of the bus, we are obama’s enemies in his speeches, he wants and basically insinuated to the mexicans to slaughter Americans in our homes and he is letting them know he will not defend us with our military. .

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:47pm

      They are already sueing us over immigration, I wouldn’t be suprised at all if BO tried to march the marines on us if they could figure out how to make Americans (marines) march on Americans (white neighborhoods)

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • chazman
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 4:10pm

      Never happen, KATE. The Marines don’t much like Washington D.C. and who’s in it. And the Marines are very serious about their oath to God and country …

      Report Post »  
    • Brooke Lorren
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 4:33pm

      The Marines wouldn’t march on Phoenix. The military are more on our side’s than the president.

      Military officers promise to “support and defend the Constitution”. It doesn‘t say anything about following the president’s orders. If the president is not following the Constitution, they’re not obligated to follow him.

      The enlisted people do promise to follow the president, but also “all officers appointed over them,” who would be supporting the Constitution.

      Report Post »  
  • dablooz
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:55pm

    I bet if we did this to illegal coming across, after a few months, we wouldn’t have an immigratio problem.

    Report Post »  
    • MrsHess
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:14pm

      Makes perfect sense to me! While they’re at it, get rid of all the anchor babies and their “sucking us dry” families.

      Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:51pm

    we need to have an American President in office, and as fast as possible. voting Nov 2012 seems a lifetime away. but maybe an angry illegal M13 gang mexican will make an eternal name for himself because that‘s what exactly it’s going to take to secure the southern border.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • toddf
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:49pm

    Something needs to be done. If we continue to sit by and watch this happen it will get a lot worse. I mean come on Arizona has the 2nd highest kidnapping statistics in the world. We can not sit by idle on this.

    Report Post »  
  • BoilitDown
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:45pm

    It is seriously neglegent of the media not to have aired this story immediately after it happened. With the controversy over illegals and problems on the border, this story is important.
    It is typical of government lead by liberals to merely tinker with things like the border rather than taking decisive action.

    Report Post »  
  • untameable-kate
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:43pm

    Maybe he was just doing one of the jobs Americans won’t do. NOW can we have a serious discussion about closing the danm border?

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • Anonimouse
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:53pm

      No time to secure that border. Too busy strip-searching Granny at the airport.

      Report Post »  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:42pm

    Joy, oh Joy, ready to take that trip south of the border? I’m sure there is no danger for a plump little pasty white thing like you. Think of the statement it would make supporting your theory there isn’t any problem at the border. Com’on girl, I will donate towards your ticket.

    Report Post »  
  • roberja
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:42pm

    Obama and Janet is this proof enough to get you guys to act and secure our borders? Probably not, since obama thinks the latinoes are going to vote for him in throves. Miscalcuation, obama, they aren’t sheep. They will think for themselves. Janet, you really do know the situation as it really is and won’t act. Shame on you!

    Report Post »  
    • CitizenMatthew
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 8:00am

      Janet Napolitano….Janet Reno…..I say no more “Janets” in Federal Government!

      Report Post » CitizenMatthew  
  • Okpulot Taha
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:41pm

    Obama has an effective plan to end all this murderous Mexican violence: Amnesty and open borders.

    Okpulot Taha
    Choctaw Nation

    Report Post »  
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:23pm

      Until then, they can do the best they can by eliminating enough of their own people.

      Report Post » poverty.sucks  
  • SnapTie
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:39pm

    That was weeks ago. How about the Mesa,Arizona incident three days ago where the hit man riddled holes in the guy at a stoplight [Know drug runner illegal] Sunday,Tuscon,Arizona two know illegal drug runners killed in shotout. I believe it’s here.

    Report Post » SnapTie  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:51pm

      The beheading was the most sensational thing lately but we here in Az and all border states know how wrong things are. Shootings, home invasions, hit and runs and the list goes on and on including the rape of our social services. Govt says “nothing to see, move along”. CRAP!

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:16pm

      @Untameable-Kate

      And those of us in AZ know how DC will treat us, like that traitor Napoletano. Talk about betraying of our state!!

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • TNgirly
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:38pm

    Won’t be the last, if things keep going the way they are

    Report Post »  
    • Beckofile
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:53pm

      And I thought we had a war in Iraq, Afganistam, Pakistan not on our border….Mexico? Bring our troops home and get the hell out of the nation building we are engaged in

      Report Post » Beckofile  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:53pm

      I live not far from where this happened, a lot of people are unnerved about it. If the cartels are doing this then it will get much worse unless something is done. We need to not only close down the border completely, the cartel members and supply chain on our side of the border need to be taken down for good as well.

      God help us all.

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 1:55pm

      Arm yourselves. And do NOT ask the Obama Administration for any help, because the Progressives are looking for excuses to take our freedoms.

      Report Post »  
    • cruisemates
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:29pm

      Please explain to Joy Bahar that THESE are the people depicted in Sharon Angel’s ad. And if Joy would rather defend these criminal and send Sharon to hell, rather than the other way around, then I think it is really time for ABC to FIRE JOY BAHAR.

      Support Ruth McClug for Rep. in Southern AZ.

      Report Post » cruisemates  
    • nosycophant
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:42pm

      @ SNOWLEAPORD3200 I think your art work was responsible for this.

      Report Post »  
    • leftiesaredangerous
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 2:45pm

      Will he still be able to vote on Tuesday?

      Report Post »  
    • Okpulot Taha
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:07pm

      LEFTIES ARE DANGEROUS quips, “Will he still be able to vote on Tuesday?”

      He‘s dead ain’t he? This boy will be voting the democratic ticket.

      Okpulot Taha
      Choctaw Nation

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:23pm

      I guess Sharon Angle’s controversial illegal alien ad against Harry Reid is alot more relevant now.
      Wonder if anyone will make the connection?

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 3:37pm

      I thought that with Obama suing Arizona these things would not happen. Maybe they need to move those federal “Danger” signs northward.

      Report Post »  
    • CultureWarriors
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 4:06pm

      Why do we not have the National Guard at the border? If our borders aren’t secure, the country isn’t secure. Since it‘s the President’s job to secure our country, I guess that means he’s a failure.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ3OxZhXKQ0
      http://www.youtube.com/user/CultureWarriors

      Report Post » CultureWarriors  
    • meisterschaft
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 4:15pm

      Contact Gov. Brewer and voice your concerns! I DID.

      http://www.governor.state.az.us/Contact.asp

      Report Post » meisterschaft  
    • HKS
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 4:47pm

      Can’t close those borders, Obama needs the votes. It’s good to be the king.

      Report Post » HKS  
    • ron the veteran
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 5:00pm

      i live in phx and i no longer go anywhere unarmed. this is obamas idea of open borders if that man isnt giving aid and comfort to our enemys just who the hell is? how much more damage to america are we going to let him do?

      Report Post »  
    • JKN
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 6:36pm

      Three simple words: Build the Fence! Plenty of “shovel-ready” jobs with this one!

      Then we could enforce all of our immigration laws; mandate E-Verify nationwide (8 million jobs currently held by illegal aliens would open up overnight); stop granting tax-paid benefits, including health care and schooling, to illegal aliens; close the hugely-exploited anchor baby loophole; and deport all illegal aliens currently held in our penal system…

      But then we’d need political leaders on Capitol Hill who would actually be willing to honor their oaths to the Constitution and protect and serve the best interests of the American people…

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • hkyfan36
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 6:46pm

      Beheadings are jobs Americans just wont do!!!!!

      VOTE!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • MrObvious
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:47am

      Don‘t think it’s only MX – Iran has been sending plan loads of people into VZ. The terror style bombings in MX are could well be do do to their influence; and, an intermingling of Hamas/Hezbolha/Iranian special forces and the MX drug cartels is not unlikely, at this point.

      Report Post »  

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