Second Gun Linked To Death of ICE Agent Jaime Zapata Traced to Fast and Furious

February 24, 2012

Adding insult to injury, Zapata’s family was kept in the dark and are now being stonewalled regarding their Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

(CBS) –Prosecutors recently sentenced a Texas man, Manuel Barba, for trafficking a weapon connected to the murder of Immigration and Customs (ICE) Agent Jaime Zapata. Nobody was more astonished to learn of the case than Zapata’s parents, who didn’t know that Barba had been arrested or linked to their son’s murder.
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In a related development, CBS News has obtained documents showing that Barba was under ATF surveillance for at least six months before a rifle he trafficked was used in Zapata’s murder. Zapata’s government vehicle was ambushed by suspected cartel thugs in Mexico Feb. 15, 2011.

Documents indicate ATF opened its case against Barba, entitled “Baytown Crew,” in June of 2010. During the investigation, court records state Barba recruited straw purchasers and “facilitated the purchase and exportation of at least 44 firearms” including assault rifles. On August 20, 2010 Barba took delivery of the WASR-10 semi-automatic rifle later used in Zapata’s murder, obliterated its serial number, and sent it to Mexico with nine others just like it. Nearly two months later, on Oct. 8, 2010, ATF agents recorded a phone call in which Barba “spoke about the final disposition of … firearms to Mexico and also about the obliterating of the serial numbers before they were trafficked.” Barba told straw purchasers the guns were destined for the Zeta drug cartel.

A warrant wasn’t issued for Barba’s arrest until four months later; coincidentally, the day before a rifle he trafficked was used against Zapata.
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The government has kept a close hold on nearly all information surrounding Zapata’s murder, denying the family’s Freedom of Information requests on the basis of an ongoing investigation. The Zapata’s attorney says they will keep pursuing the information by “whatever means necessary.”

Hang ‘em high.

More here, including Barba’s plea agreement.

SOURCE: Ironic Surrealism