friend wrote on Mar 11, 2010 6:24 PM:

" WOW...It's interesting seeing all the comments from everyone. I grew up with Alex, I met him when we were in 6th grade and I knew how he was. People will always talk bad about Douglas and Mexico just to point the finger. Alex was a wonderful person and I would have never imagined this would have happened to him.NO ONE BUT I MEAN NO ONE DESERVES TO BE MURDERED AND TORTURED THE WAY HE WAS AND THE WAY THE OTHER TWO VICTIMS WERE KILLED.The day I found out he was killed I was in shock I couldn't believe it and sad the day I found out was the day of his funeral.Although in part I'm glad that I remember him the way he was, very playful, funny, etc...God Bless you and your family...We miss you my friend!!!!!! "




Marisela wrote on Jul 3, 2009 8:30 PM:

" i was went to school with Alex he always had that big smile on his face.. I dont blame his parents at all it was his choice and we all make mistakes we all think life is so simple at least that is what i have learned. My husband Rogelio Ramirez was a very good friend to him too and he went missing too in December 2008 they never found his body and here he left his family and 2 kids sometimes money is not the solution not worth getting killed. I really wish sometimes i knew whatever happened to him. even if he was dead at least i would know what to tell his kids :( who still think hes lost "




imamom2 wrote on May 11, 2009 12:57 AM:

" To John, I wasn't saying "poor little Mexico" at all, I was simply stating that we cannot place the blame for this tragedy on just one doorstep. As for all the drugs Mexico dumps on us, have you ever heard of "supply and demand"? If there wasn't such a big drug problem in this country it just wouldn't be lucrative for these drug runners to take the risks they do to get drugs into the country. And I said nothing about hating the United States. I love my country and am proud to be a United States Citizen. We are the greatest country in the world. We are so great that we offer help worldwide. I didn't realize that having compassion for our neighbors to the south automatically made me a US hater. As for the welfare comment, your narrow mindedness is showing, there are many of us in Douglas who are not now, nor have we ever been on welfare. We work for a living. We pay taxes and watch our schools and neighborhoods deteriorate because of the drug problem and illegal aliens. But hate is not the answer. We need to come up with a realistic, rational solution to these problems before it's too late. Pointing the finger and spewing hate is counterproductive. Open your eyes and your mind and put your energy to good use finding a solution. "




wrote on May 7, 2009 5:53 PM:

" i once loved alex for who he was, a nice sweet kid, if he was involved with drugs i do not know but i do know is that some killed him and it doesnt matter if it was in ap or douglas he is gone for ever and they didnt have any mercy they killed him brutally and being a drug dealer or whatever you people acuse him of doenst make it right te die like the way he did. he was still to young, 19 yrs old, he had a whole life ahead of him and many people to meet like his own kid, which he never saw cuz a heartless girl never let him see his little kid, but someone decided to take that priviledge away. life is so unfair sometimes and this is one of those times. ALEX was a good kid and if you didnt know him then you dont have any right to be talking bad about him. Have some respect for the family that is now in pain. rest in peace and in paradise alex we will always remember you as who you were no matter what stupid people say, we did know you really were. "




k9 zombie wrote on Apr 28, 2009 9:46 AM:

" When was the funeral? The paper I am looking at right now online has the dat of April 16th. Today is April 28th. 12 days that's ridiculous. Is the dispatch puttig out a paper a month or what? Only in Douglas can you die, have a rosary and funeral all before anyone knows about it. Dispatch staff why even bother? "




im not a crook wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:38 PM:

" why is it that people have to blame another country for our problems. point the finger at mexico when we have the same problems in tucson phoenix LA and New York. If the kid wanted to sell drugs and smuggle people o well it was his life and he was old enough to understand the risks. young men volunteer for the armed services and we consider them adults and true men. but when a young men deal drugs we look at them as innocent children. this is a border town used to looking the other way.and its always fun and games till someone gets killed. the only difference is that we use a scapegoat, mexico, for our own problems. "




john wrote on Apr 26, 2009 12:22 AM:

" TO IMAMOM2: please! give me a break with your poor little mexico lines. if it was'nt for all the drugs coming in from mexico, maybe we would'nt have a drug problem here so quit blaming the U.S. this is mexicos fault and all their corupt oficials who allow drug smugglers to work and are often involved in it themselves. but since you feel the U.S. is so bad and puts the blame on mexico why do'nt you go live there. this country would be so much better off without people like you, and why dont you take the pres with you. and by the way why are you putting down welfare recipients, if you live in douglas and have a kid, chances are you are on welfar too. is'nt everyone in this town on welfare, except i guess the few government employees in this town. "




Law Dawg wrote on Apr 25, 2009 8:37 PM:

" To Family Member: He knew the cost of what he was getting into and usually the cost is death when the cartel's get done with you. He probally should have gotten a decent job and worked hard for his money instead of trying to earn a fast and easy buck. That's the problem with this town, noone wants to work hard they want welfare or drug or alien smuggling money. "




Furious Family Member wrote on Apr 25, 2009 9:57 AM:

" I appreciate everyone who took the time to be there for the Family when we most needed it on the day of the funeral, ofcourse I do know that some of you had other matters to take care of, but those of you that only knew Alex a certain way, you never met the real one who was very noble and honest with his loved ones. Thanks. "




gh wrote on Apr 25, 2009 6:48 AM:

" Those of you who decide you can't blame partents = wrong. Those of you who say its all parents fault = wrong. Kids in Douglas are allowed free range of the streets/parks at a young age. They are hardly 'policed' by there parents once they become of age. Much of it is the underlying subculture of Douglas, mainly those whom believe that 'dealing drugs' and crossing ALIENS are normative ways to make a living.
There are jobs in Douglas, not any more or less than the rest of the nation on a statistical basis. What there IS in Douglas is a overgrown population looking for both welfare and easy way outs, ie drugs, etc. It is pitiful quite honestly. Kids dropout from hs b/c of the 'glamour' of rims, thumping stereos, nice cars, etc. Then they have kids, knock up girls, etc and have to further their endeavors in order to support their responsibilities.

SO>>>>> the OPPORTUNITY living on the border, in addition to the "lack of effort" needed, AND the lack of 'guardianship' allows for such a problem to spiral out of control.
...further, the morals and ethics of the individuals has a huge effect.

there are many items that need addressed and until all are met, then nothing will be seen on the results side.

I did not know any of the victims, but have some friends who did...

I hate hearing about events like this, it makes me very sad and upset. It is very unfortunate that people can steer themselves into situations such as these. I do believe that it starts from the TOP and goes DOWN. I know plenty of ex-DHS kids, like myself, who were never even LURED by the 'glamour' because we were raised right and had a good Christian background.

May the Lord be with the victims, the offenders, and the families of the victims. "




anonymous wrote on Apr 24, 2009 5:03 PM:

" According to "John" Douglas is the most corupt city in the country??? Oh come on! God bless the families of these kids. My prayers go out to the parents, and May God bless our kids. "




FRIEND OF THE FAMILY wrote on Apr 24, 2009 3:06 PM:

" I'm disgusted with all the negative comments. We are talking about human lives; kids lifes here people,not trash.
Yes we all make mistakes but these kids didn't deserve to be killed over it, what if it was your child your brother or cousin would you feel the same way. Have compassion for human lives. Kids sometimes think they are invinsible
Stop blaming the no jobs, the partying, the first people to complain as always are the brown nosers who left Douglas because they were better than everybody else to go work at a mall in Tucson,etc. In the last year Douglas has hired hundreds of people for their new call center, and all people do is complain there are about to open carls jr, and other retail stores there are jobs in Douglas but there are more lazy people also. Even when something good happens in Douglas nobody appreciates it. "




Sadie wrote on Apr 24, 2009 1:46 PM:

" Douglas was my home town. When our kids were ready for High School we moved.They are college grads now and doing good. Thank God!
My condolences go out to the Family.
May you find Peace. "




to Douglas and safe entertainment wrote on Apr 23, 2009 9:00 AM:

" y would you event hink about about putting an adult entertainment place here we are talking about something for kids not dirty old men like you. did you even read the story man. "




Praying for kids wrote on Apr 22, 2009 7:30 PM:

" First of all my thoughts and prayers go to all the famlies who some point loose a family member. But is sad to say that when the money is easy and no mater how carefull someone is, it ends up the wrong way. Who is to blame? The parents for not keeping track of the kids, the community for not having something for the kids, Agua Prieta for having everything so easy to party at. Or for one person being at the wrong place or for making wrong decisions? May God Bless each one of our kids hoping that they make the right decisions. "




School Friend wrote on Apr 22, 2009 4:23 PM:

" I went to school with Alex, and its sad to hear of his passing... Rogelio was also a good friend of mine.. Its sad to hear people say they deserved what they got or they were looking for what they got.. No one deserves to be killed, especially in that way.. I do not agree with what they were involved in and I do not encourage it. As a law enforcement officer, I arrest many people who are involved in human as well as drug smuggling, but it does not mean that I wish them harm of death.. I believe what they deserve is prison time..
Both were good people, with big hearts. I did not know either were involved in what they did...

My codolences to their family and everyone they left behind. You giys will be missed. My prayer out to you "




Family Member wrote on Apr 22, 2009 1:10 PM:

" To all of you who decided that it was prudent to comment on what Alex may or may not have been involved in, shame on you.Whether or not that is true doesnt make his death any more ok. Nobody deserves to be murdered for any reason and you should all stop saying that he deserved it. "




Im ashamed blaming the parents wrote on Apr 21, 2009 10:34 PM:

" Im so sorry to hear about this tragic murder, but I don't feel its the parents fault. The parents can teach their children from right and wrong, it's up to them to decide which way they want to go, besides we are no one to judge "




Yacker wrote on Apr 21, 2009 5:15 PM:

" look at you people just yacking away. I didn't know there were so many Dr. Phil's in douglas.


My condolences to the family, you must be dealing with so much pain. May God Bless you in whatever circumstances you were in, I hope you find peace in whatever your faith is. "




Parent Who Understands wrote on Apr 21, 2009 4:30 PM:

" I have to agree, parents can't always be blamed for their children's actions. I raised my children the best I could, making sure they new right from wrong and always told them that the decisions the made today would affect them tomorrow. I drilled it into their head not to do drugs and that crime doesn't pay. Having a criminal record would affect them in more ways than they could imagine. My boy had always been a good student and involved in sports. Never would I have imagined he would get busted trying to smuggle drugs. He truly broke my heart as a parent. For the longest time I tried blaming myself and wondered what I had done wrong. He knew what he was doing and that it was wrong. Kids need to learn to accept responsibility for their own actions and quit blaming parents, especially those who try to set the best example for them. Yes, more often than not, kids do what they want anyway. I know I did my part as a parent. Now, those kids who have parents who could care less about what they do, shame on them. My sympathy goes out to the family. "




Jay wrote on Apr 21, 2009 12:46 PM:

" It is always dangerous for teenagers to grow up in Douglas. How could someone blame the parents when Douglas is filled with drug dealers and illegal smugglers. No matter how much you try you have ties with these people, they either your relatives, friends, and neighbors. The law enforcement officers here should just become harsh with people doing such things maybe we would have less people killed and more in jail. oh wait they might die in jail anyways. I cant explain how someone can be so cruel as to kill someone in such a manner. Do they not have blood in thier veins? I just hope God takes care of these people and they get what they deserve cuz we all know how hard it is to servive in a city like douglas without getting caught up in the dirty business. "




unknown wrote on Apr 21, 2009 10:20 AM:

" maybe if there was more jobs in this dam town things like that wouldn't be happening use your head dont be blaming the parents "




john wrote on Apr 20, 2009 9:02 PM:

" i am not suprised, i am suprised it does'nt happen more often in this city, the most corupt city in the country. in this town kids are taught the smuggling trade at young ages. its a family business in this city, and if you do'nt smuggle, someone in your family does, sad. the premier southwest border comunity, YEAH RIGHT. i may work here but would never ever, ever live in this dump. "




imamom2 wrote on Apr 20, 2009 7:35 PM:

" Please stop blaming a country (Mexico) and a city (Agua Prieta) for this tragedy. Stop talking about Mexico as a 3rd world country. Human beings live on both sides of the border and the other two people who died in this tragedy died "at home" in their own town. They weren't crossing a border to party down because it was cool! You know folks, you generally find what you look for; anywhere you go, if you look for decent, hard-working, law-abiding people, that's what you will find. If you're looking for illegal fun and games, you can find that anywhere in the world also. This is a tragedy, no doubt about that. Let's not use this tragedy as an excuse to look down on a country that is finally trying to do something for it's people. Let's take our share of the blame as United States citizens, if we, as a country didn't have such a huge drug problem it wouldn't be so tempting for drug runners to try to smuggle drugs in. If we, as a country didn't have so many lazy welfare recipients, we wouldn't need the cheap labor that comes in illegaly. Let's quit pointing the finger at our neighbors to the south and start coming up with solutions to both of our problems!!!!! "




Furios Family Member wrote on Apr 20, 2009 3:13 PM:

" First of all if you don't know the family, no one has the right to make any negative remarks about Alex or the family, I understand this a discussion but if you don't have anything nice to say about Alex or the Family, mind your own business and raise your own kids the way you think is the best way to do so... "




cousin to victim wrote on Apr 19, 2009 11:56 AM:

" May god bless all if you who think this could have been bad parenting all of you know that when you tell your children not to do it they do it anyway and this goverment here is your 18 and your an adult so stop blaming the parents who you don't know and don't know what really happen "




Very Sad wrote on Apr 19, 2009 11:39 AM:

" Yes, it's sad this poor kid died but people seem to be ignoring that this kid may have been involved with human and drug smuggling. Regardless of what side of the border you are on, the simple fact if his involvement with criminals and/or criminal activity already puts him in a very dangerous situation. That is what first and foremost be avoided, the location of where it happened just happened to be A.P. Are a few 'easy' bucks worth it? Are buying name brand clothes and other material worth it? I think not. As a parent I would rather see my kid wearing second hand clothes than looking 'cool' while breaking the law. "




Dave wrote on Apr 18, 2009 1:22 PM:

" I would like to say this all boils down to the parents. Parents need to teach there kids what is right and wrong. Rich or Poor, it is how you as a parent teach your kids ethics, morales, respect, education.

this is very tragic, and we who are still here, should learn from these incidents.

My condolences to the family. "




a home gurl of alex abril wrote on Apr 18, 2009 4:06 AM:

" r.i.p to those who passed away in ap such a terrible death no one desurves 2 go through..alex was always sweet and respectful ans a very good friend to those who knew him.he will always b missed and in our thoughts..my heart and prayers go 2 his family and those who also passed away wit him. douglas needs 2 get there act 2gether and give us teenagers a place where we can kick it wit out getting caught up... r.i.p homie! "




Hey Was Once a Youngster wrote on Apr 18, 2009 2:54 AM:

" " What ever happened to the check points going to Mexico? When the cops would stop everyone going to Mexico on the weekends to check for under age kids trying to go party."

Ummmmm, 19 is legal age in Mexico.

Sorry he had to die, especially in such a way. There is something more to this. "




t wrote on Apr 17, 2009 9:22 PM:

" In December, A young man, Rogelio Ramirez from Douglas disappeared and was never recovered in AP. Abril isn't the first and won't be the last as long as smuggling drugs and people remain so lucrative. My prayers go out to all the victims and their families. This is such a horrible tragedy. "




former dawg wrote on Apr 17, 2009 9:13 PM:

" Face it people he decided to mess with trouble and found it, by selling the drugs or importing illegals. Things happen because of karma, the world is not what it used to be when we were kids, but those now a days believe that they know better, then let them pay the piper. Even his family said they believed he was involved in drugs or illegals. "




me wrote on Apr 17, 2009 9:12 PM:

" First I'd like to give my condolences to the family of all three kids. I agree with one of the earlier comments about bringing back the check points at the port of entry. I know it comes down to money, but I would be willing to pay my share of a tax increase in order to fund the project. I too would be deterred back in the day when DPD would be at the border, we would just cruise in Douglas instead. There have been many attempts at local non-alcoholic dance clubs in Douglas, but with no success. The lure of being able to drink without consequence is to great. The sad thing is that most young adults are often convinced to bring drugs to the U.S. at these night clubs. When your that young you don't think of the ramifications of your actions. But we can't let someone else do this job for us, not Douglas PD, U.S. Customs or anyone else. We as parents need to join together to save the future of our own kids. Just like a neighborhood watch program, why not a volunteer watch group for kids heading south to Mexico. "




concerned mother wrote on Apr 17, 2009 7:17 PM:

" I remember when going to AP was the normal thing to do, but now as a concerned mother, I have realized how much danger I had put myself in. I feel lucky to still be here in one piece. Parents need to watch their children and do more activities as a family, starting when they are young. It's easier just to let their peers take care of your kids, but obviously they can't. And no one should critizize the parents that do try and do all they can to protect their beloved children. "




E-z wrote on Apr 17, 2009 1:35 PM:

" this is why i dont go to AP people think they can shoot and kill anyone they want just cause the law aint that tuff and is contolled by the mafia. i havent been there for almost a year and a half after one of my friends was killed and now another one ill make it 1 and a half more years more before i ever go there again. EVER!!! and to friends and family NO i aint exaggerating its real!!! this is an example (again) of why i dont go. never say it cant happen to you because it can. "




Douglas and safe entertainment wrote on Apr 17, 2009 12:29 AM:

" First of all, this is horrible what happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Let us hope this never happens again.

Douglas needs to have some form of entertainment for the youth (i.e. bowling alley or sports bars) and for which the young adults can enjoy in the evening. Going to AP is such a risk, there is always a gamble when crossing.

Please, someone, open up a decent place for nightlife in Douglas. Perhaps even adult entertainment for young and older men would be nice. There are plenty of beautiful women in this area.

Our police force is more than adequate to handle any potential crime in Douglas. "




Law Dawg wrote on Apr 16, 2009 8:23 PM:

" This is a sad event but remember one of those kids made his bed by dealing with the wrong people and eventually he was going to have to pay up, unfortunetly it was with his life. When you deal in that kind of business you know the only way out is death. The parents should have been more involved with their children and maybe this could have been prevented. "




Excuses..... wrote on Apr 16, 2009 5:07 PM:

" Here we go again! A tragedy such as this had to happen, in order for the public to speak out and say "Enough is enough!" AP is nothing more than a 3rd world country, ran by corrupt officials and mafiosos! As our "neighbor" to the south, AP will continue to look the other way, when it comes to our children! Instead of seeing young, immature and irresponsible teenagers, all they see are dollar's walking on two feet. Since Mexico doesn't have or enforce a drinking age, "Why should it matter, if our under aged children are being served alcohol-drugs-sex?" Who are we to dictate or admonish Mexico, in being able to provide to our children, what we can not provide ourselves because we are governed by our own laws-morals-ethics? The Mexican government does not care. It's a parasite, that we as a community-society-city, can live without.... "




was once a youngster wrote on Apr 16, 2009 3:20 PM:

" What ever happened to the check points going to Mexico? When the cops would stop everyone going to Mexico on the weekends to check for under age kids trying to go party. I was once one who would get stopped, but I can honestly say that I am grateful for that. We need to take are kids back give them activities to do. And not charge an arm and leg to do. I'm sure the city has funds to create some type of weekend activity for our youth. Come on parents lets all speak up. And to the family God Bless you all and you will be in our prayers. "




DHS Grad wrote on Apr 16, 2009 2:56 PM:

" This is a sad story. Kids (including myself a couple decades ago) will go to AP. They will do stupid things. They will increase the chance that something horrible will happen. Most of us did those things and emerged no worse for the wear. My heart goes out to family and friends of the kids who were killed. AP isn't the same (relatively safe) place it was ten, twenty, thirty years ago. Kids will always want to cross the line and do things they cannot in Douglas. This should spur discussions about how to keep those under 21 in and around Douglas through the night. Give them something to do or view and a place to go after hours. The border will never truly close and danger will only avoid Douglas kids if the community gives them something better to do. "




Heed to the Warnings wrote on Apr 16, 2009 12:02 PM:

" AP has not been a safe place for teens for quite sometime now. This is tragic and shocking. A parent's worst nitemare. So sad and sorry to hear this piece of news of our hometown. "




so sorry wrote on Apr 15, 2009 6:19 PM:

" what happened to these people is terrible. parents, please know where your children are at all times & please do not allow them to go to Mexico. is it worth risking their lives? there is so much violence in the world. it is everywhere but as we all know, in mexico, it is shoot first, ask questions later. may god bless the souls of the 3 victims. my sympathy to all the families. "

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