YUMA NEWS | Monstermedia Llc

2-VEHICLE COLLISION SENDS TWO TO THE HOSPITAL

A two-vehicle crash sent two people to the hospital Saturday afternoon in Yuma County.

Just after 2 p.m. on June 21st, deputies with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office responded to a collision at the intersection of County 14th Street and Somerton Avenue.

Investigators say a white 2014 Chevy Silverado was headed north on Somerton Avenue when a marked U.S. Border Patrol truck ran a red light while traveling west on County 14th. The truck struck the Silverado, then rolled over and slammed into a traffic light pole before coming to a stop.

Both drivers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Onvida Health by the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department. No one else was in either vehicle.

Deputies say impairment does not appear to be a factor. The crash remains under investigation.

AWC GOVERNING BOARD APPROVES BUDGET

The Arizona Western College District Governing Board approved its 2025-2026 Budget on Wednesday, June 18, prioritizing access to education and student-centered learning without increasing property taxes for local taxpayers.

As federal funding evolves, AWC remains dedicated to transforming lives and fostering thriving communities. In line with this mission, the $128 million institutional budget is targeted toward the expansion of the Early College program, growth of workforce training through the Entrepreneurial College, and investment in inclusive technology infrastructure, all of which support the vision of AWC’s 2028 Strategic Plan.

“This budget is a reflection of our values and vision,” said AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “We are navigating fiscal uncertainty with resolve—protecting access, expanding opportunity, and doubling down on student success. From Early College to workforce training and emerging technology, our investments are clear: we’re here to serve every learner and strengthen our community.”

AWC is No. 1 in Arizona for enrollment growth, defying enrollment trends across the state as the fastest-growing community college and has significantly expanded its Career and Technical Education (CTE) through the Entrepreneurial College programs. Since 2023, the college has also seen 17% growth in Early College programs, with local high school students completing roughly 15,500 total credit hours through the Concurrent and Dual-Enrollment programs in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Building on its mission to expand access to college education, AWC reserved $21.5 million in the budget for student scholarships, reflecting a 7.9% increase since last year.

“This budget keeps us focused on what matters most—opportunity, access, and student success,” said AWC District Governing Board Chair Dennis Booth. “Even in a volatile funding environment, we’re investing in Early College, workforce training, hands-on learning, and the technology our students need to thrive. Through innovation and strong community partnerships, we remain committed to transforming lives and building a stronger future for our region.”

As result of AWC’s strategic investments and prudent fiscal management, the institution has risen from a “red flag” credit status in 2016 to now holding the prestigious S&P AA+ and Moody’s AAA ratings.

YUMA JUDGE DENIES CHANGE OF VENUE REQUEST

A Yuma County judge has denied a defense request to move the trial of one of the suspects accused in the 2023 deadly house party shooting that left two young men dead and five others injured.

Abraham Colin, 21, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the May 13, 2023, shooting that occurred during a party at a private residence on S. Edward Drive.

The shooting claimed the lives of 19-year-old Danny Garcia and 20-year-old Ande Blackthunder, and left multiple others injured.

Colin’s attorney recently filed a motion requesting the trial be moved outside of Yuma County. However, Judge Claudia Gonzalez denied the request. His trial is scheduled to begin on August 5.

JUDGE REJECTS PLEA DEAL

A Somerton man who pleaded guilty in connection with a New Year’s Day collision may now face more serious charges, after a Yuma County judge rejected his plea agreement on Thursday.

The case stems from a collision that occurred on January 1, 2025, at approximately 3:59 a.m., when the Somerton Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a vehicle-pedestrian crash in the 400 block of East Madison Street.

According to police, a 2007 Chrysler struck a male pedestrian, identified as Esteyan Medal, 21, of Yuma. Medel was pronounced deceased.

The driver, Alfredo Enrique Flores, 45, of Somerton, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

On Thursday morning, Flores appeared in Yuma County Superior Court, where Judge Roger Nelson presided over his sentencing. However, Nelson rejected the plea deal, citing a lack of remorse from the defendant during the hearing.

“I’m really kind of flabbergasted that the defendant did not even offer anything,” Judge Nelson said from the bench. “I don’t see any remorse at all—nothing—and that changes my mind about the acceptability of the plea under the circumstances.”

As a result of the rejected plea, Flores could now face the original charges, , including second-degree murder, two counts of driving under the influence of drugs, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

AWC COACH KENNY DALE RECEIVES LEGACY AWARD

Arizona Western College Men's Soccer head coach Kenny Dale will receive an NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award next week at the NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards Luncheon preceding the 2025 NJCAA Hall of Fame and Awards event on Tuesday, June 17 in Charlotte, N.C.

The NJCAA Coaches Legacy Awards, presented by Nufabrx, honor the all-time winningest coaches in the history of the NJCAA. Dale has 329 career wins as the head soccer coach of both the men's and women's programs at Arizona Western College and Cochise College.

Dale, who started his NJCAA coaching career at Cochise College, arrived at Arizona Western in 2005 and has led the Matadors' men's soccer program to five appearances, including a current run of four consecutive appearances, at the NJCAA DI Men's Soccer Championship, with a pair of runner-up finishes.

Dale played an integral role in building the women's soccer program at Arizona Western, coaching the program's first two seasons, posting a 26-10-7 record in those two seasons, and appearing in the Region I quarterfinals twice.

Dale is one of two Arizona Western coaches honored with an NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award, joining former Arizona Western and current Blinn College Softball coach Rick Church.

DROWNING

JOINT RELEASE FOR YUMA POLICE AND YUMA FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN REFERENCE TO DROWNING

UPDATE: On Friday evening of June 6, 2025, the 2-year-old female, succumbed to her injuries.

On Thursday, June 5, 2025, at approximately 7:38 p.m., the Yuma Police Department and Yuma Fire Department responded to a report of a possible 2-year-old drowning at a residence in the midwest area of the City of Yuma.

YFD Yuma Engine 6 arrived and found a child that had been removed from the pool and a bystander who was performing CPR. Yuma Engine 2 and Medic 2 arrived shortly after and performed Advanced Life Support skills. The child was transported to Onvida Health by Medic 2. The child regained a pulse and was stabilized before being flown to a Phoenix area hospital.

YPD Investigations Unit was called to the scene to assume the investigation.

The 2-year-old female remains in critical condition.

This is still an ongoing investigation.

YCSO LIEUTENANT GRADUTES FROM ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS COURSE

A big congratulations to Lieutenant Samuel Pavlak of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, who graduated from the 153rd Session of the Southern Police Institute’s Administrative Officers Course on May 8th. The 12-week leadership program, held in Louisville, Kentucky, brought together 41 law enforcement professionals from across the country.

Lt. Pavlak began his career with YCSO in 2002 and has risen through the ranks over the past two decades. From Detention Officer to Lieutenant, he’s served in multiple specialized units including Crisis Management, Special Response, and Narcotics.

Today, he leads the Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Narcotics Task Force, while also mentoring future officers and overseeing several specialty teams. The Sheriff’s Office says his continued commitment to leadership and education reflects the highest standards in law enforcement.

In addition, Lt. Pavlak oversees the YCSO Volunteers Units, acts as the Team Commander of the Special Response Team, instructs for the Arizona Western College Law Enforcement Academy and liaisons the Yuma Regional Critical Incident Response Team.

6 ARRESTED IN JACOB SIMS HOMICIDE

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office has arrested six individuals in connection with the horrific torture and murder of 23-year-old Jacob Sims of Yuma, Arizona. Sims' burned remains were discovered on November 15, 2024, near Rodenbaugh Road in Winterhaven, California.

Four suspects—Gabriel Mills Jr., Daniel Gavino Martinez, Gabriel Mills Sr., and Sadie Hiatt—are now facing multiple felony charges, including murder, aggravated kidnapping, torture, robbery, and conspiracy. Two others, Carla Gilmore and Lavonne Hill, were arrested as accessories after the fact.

The investigation included multiple search warrants, forensic analysis, and interviews with key witnesses. Authorities say the arrests made this past week mark significant progress in seeking justice for Sims and his family.

The case remains active, and additional arrests or charges may follow. Anyone with information is urged to contact Investigator Victor Torres at (442) 265-2052.

2 ARRESTED ON PRE-MEDITATED MURDER CHARGES INVOLVING A 2-YEAR OLD BOY

On Friday, May 30, 2025, at approximately 1:47 p.m., the Yuma Police Department was dispatched to the 8500 block of E. 25th Street in reference to a suspicious incident.

Upon arrival, officers located what appeared to be human remains, possibly of a 2-year-old male. The Investigations Unit was called out and took over the investigation. Both the mother of the 2-year-old, 20-year-old Angelina Vasquez, and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Miguel Garcia, have been arrested in reference to this case and booked on Murder in the 1st Degree-Premeditated and Abandon/Conceal Dead Body Parts.

This is still an active investigation.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Remember, if your information leads to an arrest, you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.

The father of the 2-year old child has created a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses. Click HERE to donate.

RESIDENTIAL FIRE/2 DECEASED INDIVIDUALS

UPDATE: The deceased subjects have been identified as 32-year-old Dustin Trease and 31-year-old Leticia Villareal. Both subjects died as a result of gunshot wounds.

The investigation revealed the cause of the fire to be arson.

This is still an ongoing investigation.

Donations to help the victim's son can be made HERE.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, at approximately 11:25 p.m., the Yuma Police Department and Yuma Fire Department were dispatched to the 1600 block of 10th Avenue for a residential fire.

Crews from the Yuma Fire Department arrived on scene to find heavy smoke coming from multiple openings of the home. Yuma Engine 4 entered the structure and immediately located an unconscious subject. Yuma Engine 2 then entered the structure and located a second unconscious subject. Both subjects were removed from the structure immediately upon locating them. Yuma Battalion Chief 1 upgraded the incident to a 2nd alarm, adding additional resources to the scene. Crews reentered the home to conduct an additional search of the structure and conduct firefighting operations. Upon completing the search, firefighting crews were forced to exit the structure due to intensive fire conditions. Crews took a defensive posture, ensuring the fire did not spread to any adjacent structures. No firefighter injuries were reported.

The subjects removed from the residence, a 32-year-old male and 31-year-old female, were pronounced deceased on scene. The YPD Investigations Unit was called out to assume the investigation.

This is still an ongoing investigation.

SUSPECT ARRESTED ON ARMED ROBBERY AND KIDNAPPING CHARGES

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at around 12:50 a.m., officers were dispatched to Circle K, located at 2409 S. 8th Avenue, in reference to a possible armed robbery.

The investigation revealed that an unknown male came up behind the clerk and pressed a hard object in her back demanding money. The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. A suspect vehicle, a white Ford Expedition, was identified through the investigation.

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at around 7:29 p.m., the suspect vehicle was located at Circle K, located at 2505 W. 8th Street, parked at the gas pumps. When officers approached the vehicle, a male subject in the passenger’s seat slid into the driver’s seat and fled in the vehicle with a 10-year-old female in the back seat, leaving the child’s mother at the Circle K. The vehicle was pursued by officers into Winterhaven, CA, where it became inoperable by railroad tracks.

The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Martin Ochoa-Espinoza, was taking into custody and booked into the Imperial County Jail. The 10-year-old female was unharmed.

There were no reported injuries in this case.

This case is still an active investigation.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to call the Yuma Police Department at 928-373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

HOMELAND SECURITY EXECUTED 5 SEARCH WARRANTS AT LOCAL MASSAGE PARLORS

A spokesperson for Homeland Security shared this statement:

“This morning, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in partnership with state, local and federal partners executed five state search warrants at various illicit massage businesses in Yuma, Arizona. The warrants resulted in three arrests (one on immigration violations and two for state charges related to prostitution). This is an ongoing investigation.”

OPEN HOUSE POSTPONED

An open house scheduled for the final presentation of the updated Joint Land Use Plan (JLUP) has been postponed until September.

The comprehensive JLUP update is designed to continue sustainable land use planning and compatibility with military operations in the region, building upon past plans from 1996 and 2006. This City-led effort has involved months of research, community engagement and collaboration with Yuma County, the City of Somerton and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The open house has been rescheduled at the request of one of the City’s partners.

TROOPERS ARREST SUSPECT

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 9:31 a.m., DPS troopers received a call regarding a reckless driver on Interstate 8 at milepost 63.

Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle traveling westbound. DPS advises the vehicle was literally falling apart. The vehicle was on its rims when it finally stopped at 10:11 am.

The driver refused to come out of the vehicle initially. He was arrested and faces a number of charges including DUI.

FAMILY OF 5 LOSE THEIR HOME TO A FIRE SUNDAY MORNING

Per Rural Metro, at approximately 2:50 am on Sunday, May 11, 2025, Rural Metro Fire responded to report of a residential fire in the area of S Engler Ave and E 15th St. Upon arrival crews found a single double wide trailer fully involved with exposures to the East, West and South. Crews quickly deployed multiple hose lines and began extinguishing the fire. Ambulance crews evacuated nearby residences.

The fire was extinguished and contained to the property of origin. Crews remained on scene to extinguish hotspots. No injuries were reported. A family of 5 was displaced along with their three dogs. Red Cross was called for the family. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Donations of clothing are being requested and can be found here.

FAMILY OF 3 OF YUMA INVOLVED IN FATAL CRASH

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is investigating a fatal crash that claimed the lives of three Yuma residents early Saturday morning.

The collision occurred around 6:18 a.m. on May 10, 2025, when a 21-year-old man from Yuma, Arizona, was driving a 1993 Honda Civic eastbound on Interstate 8, east of Mountain Springs Road. According to a family member, the 21-year old was returning to Yuma from a trip to San Diego with his 20-year girlfriend and their one-year old child when the crash occurred. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

In the wake of the tragedy, the family has launched a community fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses for the three. “Your generosity will help us honor their memory and provide them with the dignified farewell they deserve,” the statement continued. “Any contribution, big or small, will be deeply appreciated.”

Those wishing to support the family can donate here.

LOCAL WORLD WAR II VETERAN CELEBRATES HIS 102ND BIRTHDAY

Donald Earl Bradbury, a native of Denver and a distinguished World War II veteran, celebrated his 102nd birthday on May 12, 2025 at the Arizona State Veterans Home in Yuma. His century-spanning life is a testament to duty, perseverance, and a deep-rooted commitment to service that spans generations.

Born on May 12, 1923, in Denver, Colorado, Bradbury came of age during the Great Depression and enlisted in the United States Navy on January 11, 1943, during the height of World War II. He began his military journey with basic training at the Farragut Naval Training Station in Idaho. Demonstrating technical aptitude, Bradbury received further training at the U.S. Naval Torpedo Testing Range in Montauk, Long Island, New York, and underwent diesel engine instruction in Lawrence, Kansas.

He was later assigned to the USS LCI (L) #18, a Landing Craft Infantry vessel based at Naval Station Arzew in Algeria. As a Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class, Bradbury was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ship’s diesel engines deep within the hull — a vital role that kept the vessel running during critical missions along the Mediterranean theater.

Following the war, Bradbury was honorably discharged from active duty on December 11, 1945, but his service did not end there. On February 11, 1947, he reenlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve (Class V-6, Inactive Duty), serving faithfully until his final discharge on February 10, 1952.

Bradbury’s military legacy is part of a proud family tradition. His father served in World War I, and Bradbury’s own commitment to service was mirrored by his two sons — one serving in the U.S. Army and the other in the U.S. Navy.

Today, as he marks 102 years, Bradbury is not only honored for his service but also celebrated for the life he has built through resilience, integrity, and a steadfast devotion to his country and family.

As the nation reflects on the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation, Donald Bradbury’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication that shaped American history.

SAN LUIS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT REDEIVES $100,000 DORRANCE SCHOLARSHIP

San Luis High School student Yomaira Robles Santacruz has been selected as a 2025 Dorrance Scholarship Recipient, earning an award worth $12,000 per year with a total program value of more than $100,000.

“Receiving the Dorrance Scholarship feels like a relief and a huge opportunity,” Robles said. “I'm extremely grateful to have received this scholarship. I know that this opportunity will make my transition to college life better because of the financial relief it brings and the sense of community that I hope to grow into over the next few years as a Dorrance Scholar.”

Robles was one of the students in Arizona who were selected as finalists and then asked to continue the interview process in Tempe. She was notified that she was one of the students that would receive the scholarship.

“As a student, she is amongst the finest at our school,” San Luis High scholar counselor Michall Moore said. “I've known Yomaira to be quite a caring and compassionate person, one of the nicest people in general. She is tremendously respectful and responsible. She presents as naturally intelligent and talented—combined with being a hard worker, it is almost impossible not to imagine her successful in anything she pursues.”

Robles will be attending Northern Arizona University (NAU) in the fall and will be majoring in social work.

As part of the scholarship requirements, Robles will be attending a new scholar orientation in Flagstaff and will also attend a Summer Bridge Program before starting at NAU.

The Dorrance Scholarship Program is run by the Dorrance Foundation for Education, an Arizona nonprofit corporation. The Dorrance Scholarship is a need-based award that aims to instill college-going traditions in future generations of Arizona families.

BORDER PATROL AGENT ARRESTED

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Yuma Police Department received information from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility regarding inappropriate behavior involving one of their agents and a minor.

Throughout the investigation, officers learned 31-year-old Ramon Marquez was involved in sexual relations with a 16-year-old female known to him.

On Monday, May 5, 2025, at about 8:48 a.m., Ramon Marquez was arrested in Wellton, AZ and booked on multiple felony offenses.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call Detective Sergeant Frank Saenz at (928) 373-4767 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

HOMICIDE - STABBING

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, at approximately 10:22 p.m., the Yuma Police Department was dispatched to the 2800 block of S. Madison Avenue, in reference to an aggravated assault.

Upon arrival, officers located a 30-year-old male near a driveway with a stab wound. The 30-year-old male was transported to Onvida Health and later succumbed to his injuries.

This is an ongoing investigation. There are no suspect(s) in custody at this time.

NARCOTICS SEARCH WARRANT RESULTS IN SEVERAL ARRESTS

On Monday, May 5, 2025, at approximately 6:36 AM, the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force (YCNTF) – which is a multi-agency task force comprised of officers and agents from the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol - along with the assistance of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Special Response Team and The Yuma Police Department Special Enforcement Team, served a narcotics search warrant at a residence in the 900 Block of E. 25th Place.

With the assistance of YCSO K-9 “Aisha”, the search of the residence and the property led to the discovery of approximately 10,992 counterfeit Fentanyl pills with the imprint of M30 [marketed and stamped to resemble and imitate Oxycodone Hydrochloride] with an estimated street value of $32,976.00, a loaded firearm, an inoculation of liquid Methamphetamine, 3.44 grams of Methamphetamine in crystalline form and multiple items of Drug Paraphernalia indicative of street sales.

The suspect of the search warrant along with additional suspects were contacted on the property.

Jacob Cody Allison, 41, of Yuma, AZ, and Miguel Angel Martinez, 39, of Yuma, AZ, were arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Oscar John Aguilar, 42, of Yuma, AZ, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for Possession of a Narcotic for Sales, Possession of a Narcotic, Possession of a Weapon in a Drug Offense, Possession of a Weapon by Prohibited Possessor and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

It is important for parents to talk with children about the facts and dangers of drugs. Practice with them on ways to turn down or avoid drugs when faced with pressure to try them. Need help starting the conversation? Visit https://talknowaz.com/ or https://drugfree.org/prevention-and-taking-action-early/.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to call (928) 783-4427 to report any suspected drug activity or visit our website at www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.

TWO PEOPLE DECEASED AS YCSO INVESTIGATES A HOMCIDE

UPDATE:

5/5/25 The two deceased victims of the homicide have been identified as Jose Martinez, 52, of Yuma, AZ, and Jose Guevara, 48, of Somerton, AZ.

During the course of the investigation, a third male victim was located after being self-transported to Onvida Health with gunshot wounds. The third victim is in stable condition.

This is an ongoing investigation. There are no suspect(s) in custody at this time.

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, at approximately 2:19 PM, YCSO Deputies were dispatched to the 6500 Block of W. Wall Lane after receiving a 9-1-1 call with a silent open line.

Upon Deputy arrival, two victims were located with apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased on scene. At this time, this incident is being investigated as a homicide.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau responded and assumed the investigation.

This case remains under investigation at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

TRUCK DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS IN SEMI-TRUCK FIRE

Around noon on Saturday, May 3, 2025, the Wellton Fire Department responded to a semi truck fire at the Shell gas station in Tacna, as part of a mutual aid assignment with the Tacna Fire Department. The truck was carrying a cargo of U.S. mail.

Firefighters were able to gain entry to the cargo trailer and stop the fire from fully consuming the container, saving about half of the mail. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the scene has been turned over to the Tacna Fire Department for further investigation.

The truck driver sustained minor burns and was transported to Onvida Hospital for treatment.

U.S. Border Patrol assisted by activating the emergency fuel shut-off switch and supporting the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office with traffic control in the area.

No additional details are available at this time.

ROUTINE SECURITY SCREENING RESULTS IN ROAD CLOSURE BY MCAS YUMA

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, a MCAS Yuma military working dog conducted a routine security screening of a tractor trailer and alerted on the vehicle. Upon further security checks, the truck was deemed clear.

Yuma Police Department responded to a request for a road closure. The road reopened a few hours later.

2025 YUMA COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONORED

Crane Middle School’s Neomi Pharmes has been honored as Yuma County’s newest Teacher of the Year, earning the top distinction among an exceptional group of educators celebrated at this year’s awards ceremony. On May 1, 2025, teachers were recognized at the 38th annual awards banquet, hosted by the Education Foundation of Yuma County.

Also recognized were outstanding teachers from across the region, including Desiree Cooksey of CW McGraw Elementary, Fauna Bushong of Wellton Elementary, Gillian Eberhart of Ron Watson Middle School, and Jonica Flores of Cibola High School, each winning in their respective categories.

In addition to individual honors, the Yuma Rotary Club will be inducted into the Educational Hall of Fame and named this year’s Outstanding Organization Contributing to Yuma County, highlighting its continued support of education in the community.

Crystal Trueluck, the 2024 Yuma County Teacher of the Year shared the following: "Winning Teacher of the Year was a moment I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. It reminded me why I fell in love with teaching in the first place — the connections, the small victories, and the chance to help shape a child’s story. This banquet isn’t just about one person; it’s about celebrating the heart and soul of every teacher who shows up, loves fiercely, and makes a difference, often in ways no one ever sees. I’m so grateful to be part of this family of educators and I’m excited to celebrate this year’s winner Neomi and continue supporting the work we all do together especially because we are both from the best district in Yuma!"

SUSPICIOUS DEATH - NEWBORN FOUND DECEASED

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, at approximately 10:42 a.m., the Yuma Police Department was dispatched to Best Western, 1450 S. Castle Dome Avenue, in reference to a baby found in a garbage can.

Upon arrival, officers were taken to an outside garbage can that contained the deceased body of a newborn baby boy. The body was placed into the garbage can sometime between 10:00 p.m. on April 30th and 10:00 a.m. this morning. The body was located by an employee.

There are no suspects at this time and this is an ongoing investigation.

The Yuma Police Department wants to inform our community of the Safe Haven Law.

Arizona has the Safe Haven Law that identifies places where mothers can safely and anonymously give up their babies without fear of prosecution. We have a Safe Haven crisis response team available to assist you with questions, options, and resources, 24/7. Call 1-866-707-2229.

If your baby is unharmed, under 30 days old and you don’t intend to reclaim your baby, you have options! Simply bring your baby to the following Safe Haven locations:

Any Hospital
Any Ambulance
Any Designated Adoption Agency
On-duty Fire Stations
Any Designated Church

You must hand your baby to a person at the above locations or may place the baby in the Safe Haven drawer at designated hospitals. Tell them this is a safe haven baby and you may leave. Your baby will be cared for and a good home will be found for the baby.

For more information please visit: https://azsafebabyhaven.org/information/