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Doctor accused of sexual abuse appears in court, pleads not guilty

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Dr. Edsel Sandoval, aged 36, made his first court appearance Thursday before Judge Roger Nelson. Sandoval pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. During the court hearing, a victim stepped forward and read aloud a statement detailing the impact of the alleged abuse. "I switched therapists. I’ve been instituted for overdosing twice after. It’s not okay… he was well aware from the very beginning," the victim said. The Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC)
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Murder suspect released, not formally charged

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A 21-year-old Yuma man booked for first-degree murder will be out of custody after the state didn’t file any formal charges against him. The man was arrested on Friday, February 23 for the murder of 18-year-old Iza Granillo. Still, lots of questions are left unanswered. But for now, this second suspect is a free man. Yuma County deputies said the victim was found shot in a vehicle earlier this month. This after he crashed, the likely result of being shot. In court
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Woman formally charged for fatal shooting

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The young woman accused of murdering a man near Somerton made her second court appearance on Wednesday. 21-year-old Maribel Ornelas has been formally charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. The victim was found in a car with gunshot wounds by authorities. “The suspect and the victim were not in the same vehicle," said Tania Pavlak, Yuma County Sheriff's Office Public Affairs. The woman is also being charged with transportation of narcotic drugs fo
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New community park project takes shape in east San Luis, Arizona

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A long-awaited project is finally seeing progress on the east side of the city of San Luis, Arizona. The construction of a new park, spanning 18 acres, started in 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was put on pause. Now, the city plans to see its completion in the coming years. The community park is located on County 24th Street and San Fernando Street, next to Fire Station Number Two. The city is currently working on the construction of t
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Suspect arrested in connection with fatal shooting in Somerton

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 21-year-old woman for the investigation of a fatal shooting incident that happened in Somerton and appeared in court Friday. The 21-year-old was identified as a suspect in the case by the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO). On February 15, she was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center. On Friday, she learned she's facing one count of first-degree murder and one count of narcotics drugs for sale
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Governor Katie Hobbs addresses Yuma County in State of the State speech

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Governor Katie Hobbs will deliver the State of the State speech tailored specifically for the region. The event will provide insights into the current state of affairs, accomplishments, challenges, and forthcoming plans that directly impact the residents of Yuma County. The speech is important to the community because it offers a platform to address local concerns, celebrate achievements, and outline strategies for continued progress. Community leaders, business rep
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Opening day of the 79th annual Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The 79th annual Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo kicks off Friday at the Yuma County Fairgrounds. Since 1946, the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo has been held on the second weekend of February, becoming a tradition in the community. This event draws competitors from far and wide, eager to showcase their rodeo skills. Thomas Garcilazo, known as "Charro on the road," comes all the way from Texas and is making his first appearance at the Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo. He performs with his nin
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Failed recall for President of GESD board

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The President of the Gadsden Elementary School District #32 Board recently faced a possible recall election that challenged his position on the board. But we've learned the recall didn't gather enough signatures to move forward. The recall initiative was led by local resident Mark Concha, who petitioned for Luis Márquez's removal from the district. Concha had 120 days to collect 777 signatures from eligible voters within the district. Concha collected almost 90
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Woman formally charged with hit and run

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma woman accused of hitting a pedestrian with her car last month and leaving the scene of the crash was formally charged Tuesday with hit and run. Audrey Ryan was also formally charged with tampering with physical evidence. The judge noted the victim had a broken pelvis, ankle, shoulder, and arm after she was hit almost two weeks ago on Avenue B and Eighth Street. Police say she is recovering in a hospital in the Phoenix area. The Yuma Police Department remin
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Local middle school teacher released

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Somerton Middle School teacher accused of hitting a student was not formally charged on Friday in court. He was facing one count of aggravated assault involving a minor after allegedly hitting a student in the classroom. We reached out to the district after the charges were not filed and the district said the teacher will still be on administrative leave while the investigation continues. On Thursday, the mother of the victim said in an exclusive interview that
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Suspect accused of placing a recording device in park bathroom not formally charged

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The man arrested for allegedly placing a recording device in a public park bathroom was not formally charged with those counts in court. The man was accused of consciously invading privacy and illegally observing, recording, and documenting people. Community members are reacting to his arrest and liberation. “It makes me feel really unsafe. I have my own children and I just feel like that’s really really crazy. I feel disgusted, you know, just finding out about this
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Murder suspect plea deal accepted

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - One of the suspects accused of murdering a 27-year-old barber in Somerton back in May 2022 appeared in court on Friday and his plea deal was accepted by the judge. This latest plea deal reduces the charge for 34-year-old Joshua Cota from first-degree murder to second-degree murder. This means that, instead of facing life in prison, he faces only 20 years behind bars. After the hearing, the mother of the victim expressed her outrage. "These people planned the murder
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Migrants seeking asylum bear harsh winter conditions along the U.S. border

SAN LUIS, Mexico (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona is experiencing severe weather conditions, making life particularly challenging for the most vulnerable individuals—migrants seeking asylum along the U.S. border. As they navigate the complexities of the asylum process, migrants find themselves camping out in the cold. "Well, we’re putting on multiple layers, and we try to keep each other warm,” said Jose Martinez. Lily Vargas, who is with her three kids says, "Here we have blankets and drink beverages
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U.S. Department of Transportation announces federal grant for San Luis, Arizona

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - San Luis, Arizona will receive $25 million from the United States Department of Transportation to enhance Cesar Chavez Boulevard. Federal funds will help in improving the roadway and widening five miles of Cesar Chavez Boulevard. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation highlights this money will help alleviate the traffic congestion the city faces. “Any border town faces additional pressure. Especially given the activity going on in the trucking and supply chains c
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San Luis, Mexico residents shop on Black Friday

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - While some people detest the lines, crowds, and spending money on Black Friday, others are crossing the border from Mexico to try to take advantage of these sales. Shoppers who crossed the border to do some shopping said the line was easy and fast. A huge hit this year was televisions, with many of them carrying the enormous box back to their homes. These two residents from Mexico said they buy on this day due to the accessibility of the products. "Because it's
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Crossroads Mission serves more than 4,000 meals for Thanksgiving

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It's Thanksgiving Day at the Crossroads Mission. Thursday is the final day of the Three Days of Thanksgiving event which began on Tuesday. This celebration helps feed thousands of community members and people in need. Crossroads Mission staff, volunteers, and community members all came together to enjoy the delicious turkey dinner. “People love the food, the socialization, and the lovely music," said Barbara Rochester, Crossroads Mission. Volunteers share why they
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New roadway extension at Gadsden Elementary School District #32 now open

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Gadsden Elementary School District (ESD) #32 held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate a new roadway extension from Cesar Chavez Blvd to San Luis Middle School and Arizona Desert Elementary. In a press release, the ceremony took place on November 21, and Gadsden ESD #32 says the extension is to "enhance school transportation in the community." Gadsden ESD #32 also says the roadway extension "reflects a proactive approach to enhancing school transportation infra
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Man dead after motorcycle crash

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma police have just identified the man who died in a motorcycle crash. According to the Yuma Police Department (YPD), a 33-year-old man was driving a 2023 Honda motorcycle Sunday northbound on Redondo Center Drive when he hit a curb and lost control of the bike. “He was ejected off the bike and was pronounced deceased on scene," stated Sgt. Lori Franklin, Yuma Police Department. YPD said they believe the man, now identified as Luis Urbina Vallecillo, was under the
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U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego visits Somerton

SOMERTON, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Over the weekend, U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) paid a visit to Somerton where he spoke at a community event about the importance of voting. Local organizations came together to help the community get more involved in political matters affecting Arizona. The event included various seminars and some of the topics included school funding and advocating for public schools. Gallego says it's important for rural towns, like Yuma, to not be overlooked.
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Yuma Family Pumpkin Patch open for the season

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Champion Church is holding its 18th annual pumpkin patch this season. Let’s "carve out” some fun this fall, the Yuma Family Pumpkin Patch at Champion Church has some new attractions for the community. “Oh, it’s so much fun! We have so much going on, there’s so many new activities, so many old activities that we put together. That it’s just a full event," stated Estalee Villarreal, Pumpkin Patch Manager. This is the 18th annual pumpkin patch event and Pastor LaCinda
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