Mexican National Indicted for Death-Eligible Tucson Carjacking Homicide

Julio Cesar Aguirre, a 42-year-old Mexican national previously removed from the U.S. in 2013, has been federally indicted on five counts including attempted carjacking resulting in death and use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death, both eligible for the death penalty. Aguirre allegedly fatally shot 69-year-old Ricky E. Miller Sr. during an attempted carjacking in Tucson on June 30 while illegally residing in the U.S. As a convicted felon and illegal alien, Aguirre was prohibited from possessing a firearm, but was found with a 9mm handgun at arrest. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ initiative targeting illegal immigration and violent crime, involving cooperation between the FBI, Tucson Police, and local task forces. The indictment has sparked tension between federal prosecutors and Pima County officials, as federal custody of Aguirre limited local access and delayed state prosecution efforts. U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine emphasized the focus on justice for the victim and the community's protection through law enforcement.