Oin Glenn Oakstar, who was questioned in connection with the Arivaca murders, stands outside a home near the downtown area the morning of the shootings. He was arrested on a weapons-possession charge. He was given intensive probation in exchange for his testimony against Minuteman Shawna Forde Photo by Dan Shearer/Green Valley News
Oin Oakstar of Arivac Arizona was questioned about the slayings, but was ultimately only indicted for being a felon in possession of a weapon.
Facing a lengthy prison sentence, Oakstar agreed last month to plead guilty to the charge and testify against the three people indicted in the case if prosecutors would agree to a plea deal giving him probation and/or a reduced prison sentence.
On Tuesday, Pima County Superior Court Judge Jane Eikleberry chose to sentence Oakstar to intensive probation after prosecutor Rick Unklesbay and defense attorney Michael Rosenbluth said they thought Oakstar deserved a chance to prove himself. Oakstar could have been sentenced to as much as 3.75 years in prison.
Oakstar no longer lives in Arivaca, supposedly has cut ties with other low life associates and claims to have sworn off drugs.
While on probation Oakstar must:
- undergo substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling,
- must testify against Minuteman leader Shawna Forde, and her co conspirators, Jason Bush, and Albert Gaxiola.
The trio are charged with first-degree murder in the slayings and are facing a potential death sentence if convicted.
Oakstar was there for the planning of the murders
Oakstar told detectives he drove Forde and Bush past Raul Flores’ house 24 hours before the slayings and pointed it out to them.
Oakstar admitted he planned to accompany Bush, Forde and Gaxiola to the Flores house the night of the slayings, but got too drunk to go.
In a hearing last month, testimony was offered as to how Forde wanted to raise money for the Minutemen American Defense and she told them she had someone in Arivaca gathering intelligence on people with ties to Mexican cartels.
While it’s obvious what Oakstar’s motivation is for becoming a witness for the prosecution, the case does not hinge on his testimony alone. Other witnesses, including Forde’s own family members, members of a vigilante group called Colorado Minuteman and others will testify as to her plans and intent.
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