City confirms police failure in woman’s death

The city of Mexicali has determined a police officer failed to respond appropriately to an emergency call regarding a domestic violence case that ended with the victim’s death.

City Comptroller Blanca Villaseñor told La Voz newspaper several calls were made to 911 June 9 by neighbors of María Luisa Velázquez, who was beaten and stabbed to death.

Although the victim was seriously wounded she was able to ask for help for hours before being found dead.

Residents of Colonia Ampliación Solidaridad neighborhood called the police at least twice, but got no answer.

Villaseñor said the city’s Commission of Honor and Justice is about to start disciplinary actions against the officer.

Authorities gathered evidence from police officers who were working the night of June 9 when the emergency calls were made.

The eight-member commission, which includes the city comptroller, the police chief and a citizen representative, will hold hearings to determine the agent’s fate.

In February, the victim filed a report against her boyfriend Javier “Doe,” with whom she had lived for years.

According to the newspaper, the suspect allegedly punched and threatened the victim constantly.

The woman was told to leave her home, but instead she asked authorities to force the man out.

The emergency call is also under investigation by the state Human Rights Commission.