Family violence fugitives new target / Texas
Family violence fugitives new target By Daniel Borunda / El Paso Times Article Launched:11/10/2006 12:00:00 AM MST Fugitives wanted on family violence warrants are the targets of a new Crime Stoppers of El Paso campaign launched this week. The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to reduce domestic violence and was planned before a family-related double homicide last week in the Upper Valley, police spokesman Javier Sambrano said. "Family violence is not only a big problem here in El Paso but across the nation. We have had many murders that have ties to family violence," Sambrano said. The Police Department and Crime Stoppers will release photographs of family violence suspects to the news media each Tuesday. Crime Stoppers of El Paso is a nonprofit group that already works with local law enforcement to produce the "crime of the week" and the most-wanted list. Sambrano said that family violence can occur not only between spouses but also between any other people living together, including roommates, siblings and children. Police hope the new family violence list also serves as a deterrent, he said. The current number of family violence fugitives was not available, but last year Police Chief Richard Wiles estimated there were 1,000 cases. El Paso police receive an average of 2,500 domestic violence calls each month. Last year, the El Paso Police Department began posting the mug shots of people arrested on family violence charges on the department's Web site (www.eppd.org). One in four Texans knows someone who is a victim of domestic violence, according to statistics by the Texas Council on Family Violence provided by the El Paso's Center Against Family Violence. The new wanted list is a move in the right direction, said Aaron P. Hernandez, spokesman for the Center Against Family Violence. "It is a crime and they should be held accountable for their actions," he said. Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com;546-6102. Wanted Crime Stoppers of El"Paso seeks information on the whereabouts of the following people wanted on warrants for family violence, a Class A misdemeanor. Anyone with information may call 566-8477. Callers may remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward. Robert Gonzalez Age: 18. Charge: Assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Gene Gonzalez Age: 36. Charge: Assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Eduardo Pinon Age: 33. Charge: Assault causing bodily injury-family violence. Enrique Acosta Age: 18. Charge: Assault causing bodily injury-family violence (two counts). Edgar Tarango Age: 22. Charges: Assault causing bodily injury-family violence and interference with an emergency call. http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_4635044