Yuma County’s 2019 in review

In 2019, New 11 continued to closely monitor the crisis along the southern
border as it moved towards its climax.

In April, Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls declared a State of Emergency due to the influx of migrants crossing into Yuma. Months later in December, he ended the declaration.

Our news team traveled across the border to hear the stories of those waiting for their chance at asylum.

In December, we finally saw a young girl named Sheyla receive asylum.

We also tracked the progress of the President’s campaign promise to build the border wall.

When the House of Representatives voted to impeach the President, our team went out into the community to listen to your thoughts on impeachment.

We witnessed Yuma's top crime stories as well.

We were first on the scene when a man fired shots into a Somerton neighborhood and barricaded himself in his home in October.

And when a Somerton man stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death at the end of October.

We were there when two men were killed on 14th avenue in Yuma just after Christmas.

And when a 21-year-old stabbing victim showed up at a strangers' door
Begging for help the day before New Year's Eve.

We chased the opioid crisis as it hit our community's teenagers, even speaking to a family about their loss at the end of March.

Our team also went inside the courtroom….

We told you the story of Oscar Quintero, a murderer, who prosecutors say was hunting his prey in August. Our team even showed you a judge sentencing him to life behind bars.

Our news team was there when a judge sentenced a young man to prison for more than a decade at the end of October. Kane Perez's crimes included setting a beloved local park on fire, and opening fire on a yuma police officer.

We even waited outside of the county jail to hear from the former police officer accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenager. The investigation began in May and his arrest happened in December.

There were also many sweet moments.

Together we watched neighbors step up to continue a Yuma tradition in honor of Grandma Candy Cane, who passed away early this year.

We also joined the excitement when a historic train named Big Boy made a
stop in Yuma in October.

These are just a few stories our team tackled this year.