CRIME/IMMIGRATION/SANCTUARY CITIES: “During his campaign, President Donald Trump repeatedly pointed to the wrenching story of Kate Steinle—a young woman allegedly murdered by an undocumented Mexican—as a prime example of violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
Now, the man accused of killing Ms. Steinle, Juan Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, will soon be on trial, refocusing attention on an issue that Mr. Trump has continued to emphasize as president.
A hearing is scheduled for Friday [7-28-17] that may determine whether the owner of the stolen gun used in the killing will testify.
The defendant, a repeat felon who was deported five times, has pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder of Ms. Steinle, 32, while she walked on pier with her father on July 1, 2015. The single bullet that killed Ms. Steinle ricocheted off the ground before hitting her, ballistics experts have testified.
Prosecutors often face skeptical juries in liberal-leaning San Francisco and anti-Trump sentiment won’t help, legal experts said. At the same time, the population’s aversion to firearms could benefit the prosecution, they added.
Mr. Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions frequently cited the case as an example of crimes committed by illegal immigrants as they seek to crack down on sanctuary cities like San Francisco and tighten the country’s borders.
The case inspired legislation that is making its way through Congress called ‘Kate’s Law’ that would increase penalties for criminal aliens caught re-entering the country.”
-Zusha Elinson, “Illegal Immigrant to Go on Trial For Murder in Case Cited by Donald Trump,” The Wall Street Journal online, July 26, 2017 08:00am