Brian Terry’s family reacts after 9th Circuit overturns murder conviction

The following is from the Brian Terry Foundation.

More than 13 years after the murder of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, Terry’s family continues to demand justice and the U.S.-Mexico border remains in crisis.

On Friday night, the 9th U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the conviction and life sentence of a man found guilty of murdering Brian Terry in 2010. Terry’s death exposed a botched federal gun operation known as “Fast and Furious” and put a spotlight on the nation’s border crisis.

Brian Terry’s uncle, Ralph Terry, said: “In over a decade, so little has changed. Our fight to seek justice for Brian continues, while our border security has deteriorated. This toxic combination led to my nephew’s death and sadly no lessons have been learned. While our current political leaders turn a blind eye to the situation, they have empowered smugglers and drug cartels like never before.”

The court on August 9 overturned the convictions of Heraclio Osorio-Arellanes, finding his constitutional right to a fair trial had been violated. The case was remanded to the U.S. District Court in Arizona.

Brian Terry’s family is deeply disappointed by the verdict, but respects the rule of law and the federal prosecutors who worked so hard to bring justice. The family hopes that prosecutors will refile charges and obtain another conviction for first-degree murder.

Michelle Terry-Balogh, Brian’s sister, said: “Why are we still seeking justice for Brian and why is our border still in crisis after all these years? The sheer volume of illegal immigration continues to overwhelm Border Patrol. During the 2016 presidential campaign, illegal immigration and border security became a top issue and primary concern for many Americans. Again, the topic of border security should be a topic of conversation among our political leaders. Our family will work with any elected leader, regardless of political affiliation, who has the courage and a plan to secure the border. It won’t bring Brian back, but it might give some meaning to such a senseless killing.”

The Brian Terry Foundation provides grants to people considering a career in law enforcement and raises money for the families of fallen Border Patrol agents.

Ralph Terry, president of the Brian Terry Foundation, added: “Brian died an American hero. He lost his life trying to make the border more secure. We need leadership to ensure his sacrifice was not in vain. The mistakes of our leaders must be remembered and used to improve overall border security today and in the future.”

Media seeking interviews with Brian Terry’s family are asked to contact Michael Anthony Scerbo at MSceerbo (at) RoseAllynPR (dot) com.

Agent Brian Terry was shot and killed in 2010 while attempting to arrest members of a Mexican drug cartel rip crew near Rio Rico, Arizona. Two semi-automatic assault rifles found at the scene of the murder were traced to the failed gun trafficking investigation known as Operation Fast and Furious. The ATF allowed licensed gun dealers to sell weapons to illegal straw buyers in order to trace the weapons back to Mexican drug cartels, but they lost track of the weapons.

In addition to providing scholarships and helping families of fallen officers, the foundation has also hosted the Brian Terry Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner over the years. Past speakers and honorees have included former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, reporter Sharyl Attkisson, former Congressman Ron Barber, Congressman Darrell Issa, Governor Doug Ducey, and U.S. Border Patrol Agent Eric Gough and ATF whistleblower John Dodson.

To learn more about Officer Brian Terry and the foundation established in his memory, please visit www.HonorBrianTerry.com.

The Brian Terry Foundation was established to honor the memory of Brian Terry and create a living legacy in his name. The Foundation raises funds for the families of fallen U.S. Border Patrol agents and establishes educational scholarships for men and women who are pursuing an education and career in law enforcement. The Foundation also raises awareness of border security issues that affect the overall safety and well-being of U.S. Border Patrol agents. The Brian Terry Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity.