The past 100 years

From The Santa Fe New Mexican:

July 5, 1917: Santa Fe spent a quiet Fourth yesterday and Santa Feans generally escaped messy accidents which in former years marred the pleasure of the holiday.

There was one accident, however, that almost proved a tragedy. It happened while Tom Closson, son of former sheriff Charles C. Closson, was motpring in a big Buick “O” to Las Vegas to attend the Cowboys’ Reunion. He had with him as companions, Tom Stewart, of this city and George Craig, of Stanley.

July 5, 1967: CANJILON (AP) — A man described as police as the most dangerous of those sought after the June 5 courthouse raid in Tierra Amarilla was in jail today after he surrendered at home of his mother.

State Police Chief Joe Black said Baltazar Martinez, 23, surrendered Tuesday to an off-duty Albuquerque city policeman who was fishing in the area near the Martinez home in Canjilon. The officer, Fred Gallegos, said he was approached by the Martinez’ mother, Aurilla Martinez, who said she did not want to see her son harmed.

July 5, 1992: They are good boys, their parents say, normal teenagers who, until recently, never got into any trouble at all.

They played basketball, went fishing and camping. They helped out around the house. They were polite and didn’t smart off to their friends, parents or teachers. They loved playing with their younger relatives.

They are good boys, strong in their Catholic faith. The love their folks have for them is obvious when their parents talk about them.

But they are boys who are in serious trouble, accused of a horrible crime.

Michael Loretto and Guillermo Bustos are in jail in downtown Los Angles awaiting trial later this month for the May 28, 1991, stabbing death of Jacqueline Kirkham on Zuma Beach in Malibu, Calif.

According to California prosecutors, Michael held the 43-yearold grandmother while Guillermo stabbed her, leaving her to die in front of a beachside restroom. The killing took place in broad daylight.

Police said the boys stole Kirkham’s purse and her car and drove back to New Mexico.