Border Patrol Agent Charged with Murder

Nicholas Corbett, a United States Border Patrol agent has been charged with first degree murder for the shooting death of a Mexican immigrant in January. Corbett allegedly shot Francisco Dominguez-Rivera after he crossed the border.The Border Patrol says Corbett shot the immigrant in self defense. Dominguez-Rivera was allegedly threatening the agent with a rock. Cochise County Sheriff's office has concluded that the shooting was not legally justified. Others apprehended with Dominguez-Rivera dispute Corbett's account saying that the agent shot the immigrant while pushing him to the ground.

County Attorney Ed Rheinheimer said, ""We have concluded that the evidence shows that at the time he was shot, Mr. Dominguez-Rivera presented no threat to Agent Corbett and Agent Corbett did not act in reasonable apprehension of imminent death or serious physical injury."

Corbett maintains that he shot only in self defense and is disheartened by the lack of support he has received from the agency he works for. "Border Patrol Agents are the backbone of keeping America strong." said one protestor. There are literally hundreds of news stories involving the actions of various border patrol agents. Some are questioning the hiring process and believe it needs to include a psychological evaluation.

At least four separate charges have been filed against the agent. Charges include first degree murder, second degree murder, manslaughter, and negligent homicide. This comes on the heels of the prosecution of two border patrol agents for shooting a Mexican drug smuggler in the buttocks last year. They were convicted and sentenced to more than 10 years.