McCluskey, Province, and Welch Charged in New Mexico Murders

New Mexico (Aug 23) – Authorities have announced John McCluskey and his fugitive fiancé and cousin, Casslyn Welch along with Tracy Province have been charged with murder in connection with the deaths of an Oklahoma couple in New Mexico.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced the arrest warrants for the three captured fugitives during a press conference this morning. The warrants are for  John Charles McCluskey, 45, and Tracy Allen Province, 42, and accomplice Casslyn Mae Welch, 44.

The three are accused of carjacking Gary and Linda Haas with the intention of causing their deaths. It is alleged that three carjacked the couple and their pickup truck and camping trailer at the rest area of Interstate 40 in Quay County New Mexico.

It is further alleged that McCluskey shot and killed Mr., and Mrs. Haas in the trailer at a location between Santa Rosa and Tucumcari, New Mexico. Afterwards, the three fugitives drove the truck and trailer to a remote area in Guadalupe County, New Mexico and burned the abandoned trailer with the departed inside.

During this morning’s press conference U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales had this to say, “This morning, I am announcing that a United States Magistrate Judge signed criminal complaints that charge John Charles McCluskey, Tracy Allen Province, and Casslyn Mae Welch with the murders of Gary and Linda Haas that occurred on August 2, 2010, here in New Mexico. At the time they committed the murders, McCluskey and Province were fugitives, having escaped from an Arizona prison on July 30, 2010; Welch was the accomplice who is believed to have facilitated their escape.”

The departed just recently retired at age 61, were traveling from their home in Tecumseh, OK, to Pagosa Springs, Colorado where the couple have vacation with family and friends for over 11 years.

The remains of the dearly departed were discovered the next day by; Guadalupe County Sherriff, and New Mexico State Police.

If the defendants are convicted on all charges, they will face the death penalty.

U.S. Attorney Gonzales added, “Yesterday, I spoke with members of the Haas family and offered the condolences of the entire law enforcement community in New Mexico. We can only imagine their grief at this time.” In addition, he added, “To the Haas family and all families out there, please know that we will continue relentlessly to pursue individuals who take lives and endanger citizens through violent means.”

Chief Editor – WorldNewsVine

Posted by worldnews on August 23, 2010. Filed under Crime - Punishment,National News,News,US Criminal Justice,WorldNewsVine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.