Brisenia Flores, Another Nine-Year-Old Girl, Was Shot and Killed in Arizona

Brisenia Flores_0df9d.jpg
Brisenia Flores, 9, was killed on May 30, 2009, when a group led by anti-immigration fighter Shawna Forde raided the girl's family home in the border town of Arivaca, Arizona. Allegedly, the attack was organized in the name of the Minutemen, a crew of vigilante border patrols, who hoped to steal money and drugs to fund their revolution against immigration. The Flores household was attacked mistakenly, for they had no drugs or money, but according to reports, Forde and her cronies commenced to shoot Brisenia's father in the head, killing him, before wounding her mother and eventually, shooting Brisenia in cold blood. Minutemen honcho Shawna Forde's trial is set to open this week. But why has this story not been more thoroughly covered by the media in the meantime?

Opening arguments began on Friday, according to a detailed report in The Daily Beast, which provides ugly, but necessary education on a trial many have been unaware of altogether. Also noted in the article is the similarity it bears to a recent national tragedy:

Adding another layer of heartache to the proceedings, the trial is taking place in Tucson, a city still grieving over the recent massacre that left six dead and 13 wounded, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

During a hearing last week, Forde's lawyer noted similarities in the two tragedies: the slaughter of two 9-year-old girls (Christina-Taylor Green, in the Tucson rampage), accusations that the alleged killers had ties to right-wing extremists, and the involvement of the outspoken Pima County sheriff, Clarence Dupnik. Forde's trial in Pima County Superior Court, in fact, was briefly postponed as a result of the Tucson killings.

Forde is facing first-degree murder charges, but claims she was not at the scene of the crime. Perhaps the dovetailing of this tragedy with the shooting of Gabrielle Giffors and Christina Taylor Green will bring a sad spotlight to the trial nationwide.

But the blog Crooks and Liars posits that Flores' killing is being under-covered in the media because it does not fit with the narrative of the Minutemen as something of a "neighborhood watch" Then, of course, there's the sticky subject of race: victims of color, eternally under-represented, especially on cable news.

We're also looking forward to perhaps finally seeing some coverage of the case in the mainstream media -- perhaps even Fox News, which has been assiduous in refusing to do so. I have to admit I'm baffled that, in a cable-TV business that prizes riveting audio snippets, it's gotten so little attention elsewhere.

The audio clip in question is the chilling 911 call of Flores' wounded mother. Listen here, and if nothing else, follow the trial here.

Related: Lethally Blonde -- How a former teen prostitute and beautician from Everett became an influential anti-immigrant crusader--and alleged murderer. [Seattle Weekly]

Media Blackout of Minuteman Extremists [via]

UPDATE:

More: Mainstream Media Continues to Ignore the Horrifying Murder of Brisenia Flores

[jcoscarelli@villagevoice.com / @joecoscarelli]

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29 comments
2012RELENTLESS
2012RELENTLESS

My Condolences for this little girl, sad.

It looks to me as if there are two differences in the shootings. I believe Jarade to be Mentally Insane.Those who Talk and Act out as though they are superior and the likes of those who have not, well I believe these type to be Morally Insane. There's a difference, the sameness is in neither are stable unless in some treatment program. What really is the difference between the Tea Party, Conservatives, Council for Conservative Citizens, Minutemen, Republican, GOP, Right Wing, I can't tell the difference, They all seem alike to me just to different degrees. They sound alike also, The warn that the President is bleeding this country dry, but that is what they are doing. They say we want God put back in this country, aren't they just using God to further their agenda? oh wait, that would be more like terrorist correct? I guess I'm maybe getting somewhat delusional, no that's what a Conservative Chrisitan called me when I said The country needs to stop throwing it's own people away because they don't have much, need help or because someone else deemed they a throw away. We most defineltly do not believe in the same God of the Bible. I told him that the GOP wants to get rid of those that they deem are beneath them, and he said that is a lie and so then I said, I wouldn't believe you if your tongue came notoarized... I think he hung up on me.. maybe a bad connection.... If anyone googles my story Bryce Vandergrift's Mother and or Ms. D M M Pelletier..Please, Look, Listen then Read... That is what those in charge of the Juvenile Judicial System did to my 6 ft 3 Child. They just all happen to be of the mind set of the Minutemen and or Conservatives, Republicans, etc.. As for my son, Bryce, moms trying. I love you and Children like you too. Peace and God Bless 2012RELENTLESS@gmail.com

2012RELENTLESS
2012RELENTLESS

Oh and as for the Morally Insane Type, yeah, that would include Bryce's Father David Vandergrift. Who paid to have our child put in a Texas Prison. Parental Medical Neglect.

sorry,

The way this lil girl died is not being blasted in the media and could this be because of those who really fuel these groups agenda will be displeased?

Please note something.., the news blog stated under covered also because of victim of color, but come on, there are millions of us that are considered white or other and we are NOT in agreement with these groups that deem themselves better. It more to me as a have and have not or we could say, rich vs poor and the like. I certainly do not want my child to be excluded from assistance (as has happened) because he is consider white. I believe millions of other moms, dads, caregivers, guardians think the same as I do. That would be as unjust as the tragedy/crime in the article.

My 2 cents input and a few more pennies added because I am a woman and hey, I talk a lot.

Peace!

Mommy of Five
Mommy of Five

What a sweet little princess, too soon to become an angel. Breaks my heart that these racist terrorists slaughtered her and her daddy so needlessly. To shoot a little girl two times in the head after pleading for her life is just incomprehensible. These cold blooded murderers deserve worse than death! May little Brisenia Flores and her daddy RIP. Also, l hope somehow, some way that her mommy finds the courage and strength to put this tragedy behind her. Although, it seems next to impossible to find closure. My heart breaks for her as well.

Care_comptonusmc
Care_comptonusmc

Really? I'm native American married to a colombian, and I can count on 5 hands how many girls I personally know who've been raped by Hispanic men. To put this on a single political party is absurd. It's the gov't that's f'd up and the crazies that partake in this disgusting offense. It's like me saying all choctaws are into fire-water. It's biased and unfair. I'm absolutely sick of this political war game, and I'm disappointed in you Juarez for pandering to this propaganda. If you come to this country, learn the god-damn language and assimmulate. My fathers' land was taken from them by rape and pillage, but you see me not taking the gov't money and becoming a citizen. Seriously?!? Learn from Lebanon and the PLA. Zealous religious leaders ousted Christians, causing mayhem and killing thousands. Have you cried for them? It's incredibly unfortunate for this little girl's family, but in the whole scheme of things, life just generally sucks and people go on. But go ahead, start a cultural war. See how far it takes you and how it makes you feel in the end. It's your right per the American constitution....since we still have it

Thennessey
Thennessey

Lifox has her facts correct. This is just another moonbat lefty blog using a tragedy to further their political agenda. That is the main similarity this case shares with the Gifford's tragedy. Until the federal government is willing to enforce immigration law in it's entirety, we will continue to have tragedies along the border. I have three seperate ways of ending illegal immigration on our southern border. First plan: put up a wall, 50 feet high and 25 ft deep from the east end of the Rio Grand straight across to the Pacific Ocean south of San Diego. Second plan: Send the national guard to the border with orders to shoot anyone that fails to respond to their commands. Third plan: Hire thousands more border patrol to help the understaffed dep homeland security. Any one of these plans will have a huge impact on the waves of drugs and people coming across our border.

Banchukita
Banchukita

Who's going to build that wall, genius? What labor force? HAHAHAHAHAAA!

Max
Max

then why are you reading it, you just like reading "moonbat lefty blogs"? A nine year old girl was killed, the gunman loaded the gun in front of her and shot her as she begged for her life and you're talking about immigration, what the fuck does that have to do with immigration? And in case you hadn't noticed, no one gives a shit about your plan

donaldball
donaldball

Hey sparky, you might want to run the numbers on the costs of your little plans. They wouldn't be cheap. I'm sure you'd be fine with raising taxes to pay for them though, right? You wouldn't happen to be taxed enough already by any chance, would you?

Gert B Frobe
Gert B Frobe

if the teabaggers did not exist 2 cute little 9 years old girls would be alive today, period.

Elynn63ky
Elynn63ky

splibb, you don't think little girls ever were killed because of race or politics before the tea partiers came along? Maybe you need to take a history course. Just saying.

Gert B Frobe
Gert B Frobe

Elynn, believe me I do not need a history lesson from a tea bag douche bag. I have been polite to you pricks for long enough, I am stopping now. Crawl back under the star spangled rock you came from.Just because you people have killed children before you think it is ok now? What a simpleton you are.

Chuckles
Chuckles

Well, you certainly need a history lesson from someone, because you aren't talking from facts. Loughner was a nutjob. His politics, as near as can be found from the publicly available information, are far-left, not tea party.

As for Ms. Forde... it appears she swung with the Aryan Nations crowd. She may have, herself, said she was with "all" of the Minutemen, but why did they kick her out with a couple of months of her arrival in their group? Or you can look at Jason Bush's well-documented background in AN groups in eastern Washington. You know - the guy who actually, apparently, pulled the trigger.

Before you get all hot-and-bothered abut the horrible racism of white people and conservatives, you would probably do well to fact-check the narrative. No matter WHOSE narrative it happens to be.

Hryb
Hryb

I hearts hyperbole!

Sniper 308a2
Sniper 308a2

This is just sensationalist BS to help and already crappy situation get worse concerning guns and gun control.Why in the hell else would you run a story from so long ago now esp. concerning AZ?BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS BS AND MORE BS!!!!!!

Richard Grabman
Richard Grabman

Because that "long ago" killing is only now coming to trial.

Rogi Riverstone
Rogi Riverstone

Is anything being done to help the surviving family members? How can we help. I am so sorry for this needless loss.

Popsolano
Popsolano

It's unfortunate that so little has changed racism exist and should be exposed at all levels. Silence just gives these a-holes more power to do there dirty work. Best wishes to this family and all who have been victims of racism.

Lilfox
Lilfox

check your facts buddy. She was NOT part of the Minutemen group - they kicked her out and said she was mentally unstable - so she started her own group: Militiamen American Defense "MAD". Get your facts coreect. As a journalist you failed - you got the "WHO" wrong!!

mmetzger
mmetzger

Lilfox,

You got it wrong also. I am Shawnas brother and the name of her group was Minutemen American Defense. And if you hear Shawna say it she was involved with all the minutemen.

Njd008natalie
Njd008natalie

Well. No matter what organization she belonged to. Your sister and her companions gunned down a father and daughter. It doesn't matter if the were American Citizens or here illegally. It doesn't matter if they were drug dealers or not. You sister is a scumbag who doesn't deserve anything but to rot in jail.

I know the author needed to be correct in identiying the group for the average person reading this but does there really need to be a discussion on the group name.

YOUR SISTER TOOK PART IN THE KILLING OF A FATHER AND HIS DAUGHTER.

JB_2000
JB_2000

Why don't you check what happened here. Two girls, and only one media coverage. Of course, you and your buddies don't want to show how ugly the treatment of people of brown color are subject to. What a bigot you are!

billbo
billbo

Lilfox ...same difference, Minutemen, Militia, TeaParty all the same. All are unstable, All want to rise up against the government. All are nuts and all are a disgrace to the nation

Sniper 308a2
Sniper 308a2

You're an idiot for making such an irrational statement.Get your head out of the mainstream news ass and take a good look around.Or are you one of the many paid trolls who talk like this for whoever it is that has an interest in promoting your ideas? The militia's,tea party and who ever else have ZERO interest in seeing the country fall apart and the Gov. disbanded.This is exactly what they are fighting against.You would know this if you ever researched it for yourself instead of letting someone do it for you.I bet you are in favor of letting the Gov take away all your rights?.I bet you can't wait for a cavity search just to board a bus can you? Because if people like you don't start backing the people who care about Freedom,Liberty and Rights,then that is exactly what will happen.Fact!

2012RELENTLESS
2012RELENTLESS

Hi, I clicked liked on your comment but that was a click error.

I will take a cavity search to board a bus if that means those who are less fortunate aren't deemed throw aways, like they are in the CPAC and flock groups. Tell me why you think this childs death and the tragedy/crime is not in the media more? Gabby Gifford was of course a reason the media swarmed around that story. It is just plain sad, as in a crying shame what happened that day and for this lil girl and her family too, at the hands of the Minutemen, Them involved should have brought big media attention also. How could anyone say no, unless that sort of thing is a day to day occurance. To think that those groups like the minutemen and their extreme ideals, some would say, is just as determental as what and who the right winged flock fight again. If you don't see that then maybe you are like I was, a bit blind and then blind sighted. My excuse is that when I heard the echos of God, Country and my Fellow Man, I actually thought the Right ment it. They didn't and they don't they mean this.Selfserving, Money, Control. That is how I hear it and see it. I have first hand exsperienced this and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't help the child who's life they were destroying. If you sir are part of a HAVE and your drinks are overflowing with APATHY, if you believe yourself to be Superior so much that it's your gog given right to discard another like yoruself, an imperfect being... then you ARE with the right group. Otherwise, take some time and marinate on it. Peace,

ExpertShot
ExpertShot

The right wing (i.e., tories) have long worked to make the people of this continentsubservient to the corporate interests (e.g., East India Company). Every time they get in the government the policies they institute always seem to weaken our country's financial stability. I believe they are trying to weaken the government so much that it can be crushed by their corporate masters.

I think it is time to remove the main reason that people form corporations, to avoid personal responsibility for the actions they take through these entities. The right wing is always talking a big game about personal responsibility for the poor but for the owners of corporate stock - THERE IS NO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY.

The corporations are getting too big to fail and the reason is that the owners of their stock of those corporations could give a flip about the moral compass of the CEO or President of the Board as long as they keep getting their dividends or their stock price goes up.

It's time to remove the largest government subsidy of all - the limitation of liability corporations are granted by state governments. We need to make the owners of corporations responsible for the bad actions of the directors and the staff - It's time to FIGHT BACK!

It's the corporations who benefitting from the cheap labor of undocumented workers and it is they who are standing in the way of immigration reform. They actually fund the Tea Baggers and the Nativist groups to blur the debate with hate.

readyforsomepeace
readyforsomepeace

Wow reallly? "The militia's,tea party and who ever else have ZERO interest in seeing the country fall apart and the Gov. disbanded." Maybe YOU should do your homework, these are some of the biggest anti goverment groups you can find. They want to take control of there communitys thereselves, they have said that over and over again. They want to privatize things such as Social Security, they want to hand it all over to the business's to run our country, Then they will find out they are nothing and the rich get richer and the middle class disolves. They are most elderly or severly under educated people who really can not see past there nose and just regurgitate what they here from the Limbaugh's, Becks, Orielly, and heaven forbid Palin. The point here is people were murdered, and it barley made the news.

Brian Pacheco
Brian Pacheco

Billbo, I'm against this rise of extremism, but for the sake of being factually correct, it is very important that readers know that Shawna Forde belongs to an even MORE extreme offshoot of an already extremist organization - not to the organization itself. However, I do believe that these organizations and their cronies in the media are fomenting a lot of hate that push these 'mentally unstable' folks to commit despicable acts such as the shootings in Tucson from May 2009 and the one a few weeks ago - both of which had 9-year-old girls as victims.

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