Published : Monday, 28 Nov 2011 | Source: MyFoxPhoenix.com
MESA - A credible death threat against community activist Randy Parraz is under investigation. Parraz led the successful recall effort against Senator Russell Pearce.
The death threat was mailed to Randy Parraz. It specifically mentioned Russell Pearce and blamed Parraz for the recall.
Describing the letter, Parraz said, “[It said] that he [Pearce] was a good person and what I did was not something that was good for Arizona.”
The threatening letter was sent just days after Senator Russell Pearce was ousted from office.
“They’re going to be keeping a watch on me and where I live, and I have no idea how serious they are. And it went so far to say in incidents like these, these types of bodies end up in the desert.”
Parraz is co-founder of Citizens for a Better Arizona. The group led a successful recall effort against Pearce. But Parraz is quick to point out the voters are the ones who actually went to the polls and recalled Pearce.
“We didn’t take out Russell Pearce. He is alive and well he basically lost his job but he’s alive and well.”
Police in Phoenix have now launched an investigation. The letter is being tested at a lab for DNA and fingerprints.
“We’re going to take this seriously,” says Phoenix Police Sgt. Steve Martos. “This is a crime and we’re going to investigate this thoroughly, we’re going to do everything in our power to identify him.”
Parraz says this type of retaliation is reason he's pushing for change in Arizona.
“It is a bit unnerving. I’m a father I have two young daughters who I care for deeply, it’s just a frustrating thing that anyone who engages in politics has to deal with these types of threats.”
Parraz wouldn't tell us what, if any increased security measures he's taking to protect himself and his family.
Police say even writing a threatening letter is a crime that can land you in jail.
