Stabbing death raises safety concerns about homeless encampment

A group of homeless people are living in a utility easement between Raceway Bar and Grill and Farmer’s Convenience Store on Papago Road, just south of the Maricopa city limits.

This issue has been going on for about a year, Raceway Bar and Grill owner Rand Del Cotto said.

It is becoming more of a safety concern to the community in the wake of the stabbing death of 53-year-old Agustin Barron on June 4.
“I hear a lot of grief from local people about the issue. I would like to stay on the fence, but this is definitely a cause for community concern,” said Del Cotto.

Local resident Harry Hughes said this problem has been ongoing for years around the Farmer’s Convenience Store. He said vagrants have littered the area with trash, alcohol, drugs and even human excrement.

“I sent more than a few emails to county government, local media and the planning and zoning people. Time and again, these problems were deliberately permitted to continue, despite my objections and concerns,” Hughes said.

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said in a statement, "Illegals setting up camps in this area have been an ongoing seasonal issue. Recently, business owners have worked with our office and have agreed to trespass these 'squatters,' which will allow our deputies to arrest any individual who commits the criminal offense of trespassing.”

In his statement, Babeu blamed the problem on an unsecured border and the federal government's refusal to enforce immigration laws.
Babeu suggested farmers should set up temporary housing for seasonal workers.

***ADVERTISEMENT***The situation reflects poorly on the area, Del Cotto said.

“As a business owner you definitely don’t want that going on around you,” Del Cotto said. “Until somebody puts their foot down in the neighborhood, it’s going to continue.”