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BISBEE — A Mexican citizen charged with setting several vehicle fires between Hereford and Bisbee in July will be examined at the state mental hospital to determine whether he is competent to assist in his defense.
Mario Burrola Martinez, 45, of Mexicali, Mexico, was charged with 10 counts of arson in connection with the fires.
When arrested, he gave his last name as Gurrola.
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Martinez appeared in Superior Court before Judge Stephen Desens on Monday morning with his attorney, Deputy County Attorney Mark Higgins. Higgins told Desens that Dr. Barry Morenz of the University of Arizona had conducted a psychological evaluation but further evaluation was needed at the Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix.
Judge Desens scheduled a review hearing for 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 21 to determine the next step from there.
Martinez, appearing disoriented and disheveled during his court appearance, is being held in the county jail on $100,000 bond.
Martinez is charged with setting fires on July 27 that damaged a city of Bisbee 2000 Ford F-250 pickup truck parked near milepost 343 on state Highway 92, a 1979 Freightliner tractor-trailer truck owned by Parker and Dolores Gayden at 12225 Highway 92, a 2002 Kia owned by Teryl J. Murray and a 1990 Ford Bronco owned by Daniel Harwood.
The tractor-trailer, which was totally destroyed by the fire, remains parked north of Highway 92 with a sign reminding passersby that an illegal immigrant was at work there.
Martinez is also charged with setting fires the following day that damaged a 1971 GMC van owned by Brian Root at 5057 Junkyard Lane in Hereford and a 1975 BMW and 2002 Chevrolet owned by Danna Hinderer at 6330 Calle de la Menta.
The spree continued on the 29th, when a 1986 Ford pickup owned by William Klein was torched at 6172 Jaxel Road, along with a 1993 Ford Ranger pickup and 2002 Chrysler van owned by David Hess at 5942 Dakota.
Martinez was apprehended by Cochise County Sheriff’s Department deputies who had staked out the area near the Dakota fires. They spotted someone near the vehicles, using thermal imagery, and saw an individual run away after the fires were ignited. Martinez was apprehended in a field about a quarter-mile away and admitted setting three of the fires, according to court records.
The Bisbee Police Department and Fry Fire Department also were involved in the undercover operation. Along with air support from Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter rangers.
Several victims of the fires were in court Monday to observe the proceedings.
Herald/Review reporter Michael Sullivan can be reached at 515-4682 or by e-mail at michael.sullivan@svherald.com.
shuni wrote on Apr 18, 2008 12:11 AM: