Free Republic

Investigators planted court-approved tracking devices on the cars of Michael Paul Astorga's mother, father and wife during the massive manhunt for the suspected cop killer, according to court documents unsealed Friday. Astorga's mother, Theresa Romero, met with Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White multiple times during the 13-day search, according to documents. Undersheriff Sal Baragiola said Friday that officers believed she set up the meetings to obtain information about police efforts to find her son and they decided to track her vehicle. They also placed a listening device inside her vehicle. Astorga's father, Michael Paul Astorga Sr., traveled to Albuquerque from...

An informant has come forward claiming more than one state motor vehicle worker was helping Michael Paul Astorga elude police after he was named as a suspect in the death of a man last year.Lorraine Martinez, an MVD worker, has been charged in connection with helping her nephew elude capture. Martinez, a supervisor at a Motor Vehicle Division branch on San Mateo, has been placed on leave. No one else has been arrested, but investigators said more employees could be charged once the investigation is complete. Astorga, 29, has been charged with two open counts of murder. He is accused...

Alleged killer of deputy captured in Juárez

The Michael Astorga described in court and prison records is fiercely different from the one described by people who have known him for years. A recent neighbor, now so afraid of Astorga's family that he wouldn't give his name, called Astorga courteous and a man of his word. Today, Astorga, 29, is sought by authorities for two killings, including a Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy on March 22. Police say he shot Deputy James McGrane Jr., 38, once in the head, rather than be caught on an outstanding warrant for killing a long-time acquaintance in November. << snip >> Friday afternoon,...

SWAT teams searched more than a dozen homes, three schools were placed on lockdown, family members were questioned and a $50,000 reward was offered. All to find Michael Paul Astorga, who police say shot Bernalillo County Deputy James McGrane Jr. in the head with a Glock 10 mm handgun during a traffic stop Wednesday morning in Tijeras. Finding Astorga, 29, could prove to be a challenge despite all the resources going toward his capture. He has gang affiliations, connections with people who are willing to hide him and is experienced at being on the run, police say. "It is safe...

The sirens reverberated through Downtown Albuquerque for nearly 35 minutes Tuesday afternoon in tribute to fallen Deputy James McGrane Jr. The motorcade heading to Mount Calvary Cemetery drew an emotional day to a close. Queen of Heaven Church was packed for McGrane's funeral Mass, which started at 11 a.m. and ended at noon. Archbishop Michael Sheehan, who led today's Mass, said McGrane gave the ultimate sacrifice. He said he hopes his death brings greater respect and support for law enforcement. Officers lined streets and saluted McGrane's family as the motorcade of several hundred cars passed by, making its way under...

TIJERAS — A Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy was fatally shot after pulling over a pickup truck in this small community east of Albuquerque. "We're following up leads. We're not going to rest until we find the person responsible for this,'' Sheriff Darren White said early Wednesday morning. White did not immediately release the identity of the deputy. The deputy pulled over the truck about 12:45 a.m. Wednesday on N.M. 337, just south of old Route 66 and near the entrance to an elementary school, White said. "And a few minutes later, some people who live nearby heard two gunshots,'' White...