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Former Krgv Reporter Surprised by Arrest in 56-year-old Murder Case

KRGV
February 10, 2016

http://www.krgv.com/story/31183592/former-krgv-reporter-surprised-by-arrest-in-56-year-old-murder-case

[with video]

In 2003, CHANNEL 5 NEWS tracked down John Feit in Arizona. Even then, Irene Garza’s family had not given up hope to seek justice for her murder.

Former CHANNEL 5 NEWS reporter Kristine Galvan reported on the Irene Garza story. She said she was surprised about Feit’s arrest on Tuesday.

“Oh my gosh, this is an incredible development,” Galvan said. “I was completely floored when I learned… that John Feit had been arrested.”

Galvan reflected on the passage of so much time and the people attached to the case.

“It's been decades,” Galvan said. “And if you think about all the people who were involved in the case, from 1960, most of them are not here. So for Irene’s family to have a shot at seeing justice done, this is a suspect who's in his 80s, it's just absolutely incredible.”

Galvan said she knows there is much ahead in Irene Garza’s case.

“This family just never gave up,” Galvan said. “We have to remember people are innocent until proven guilty. But I am just so happy for that family. They are at least getting to go through this process and allow the system to determine if this man killed their loved one.”

When Galvan first began investigating the case, she read through many articles about it. She realized that speaking to some of the people familiar with the case might not happen.

“Calling one of the investigator’s widows and not knowing her husband had already passed, calling and asking if I could speak with them, it was difficult and hard process,” she said. "But once I started going through things that hadn't been mentioned, there was just so much. It’s the story that stays with you.”

Galvan said she was thinking of Noemi Zigler, Irene Garza’s cousin, and Irene Garza, when she tracked down Feit in Phoenix in 2003.

The former CHANNEL 5 NEWS reporter said this story has stayed with her through the years.

“This is a story you never forget,” Galvan said. “This is the reason we go into journalism, to look into cases and see them through. I wasn't able to do it. This is why we do what we do.”

CHANNEL 5 NEWS asked Galvan what she would tell Irene Garza’s family if she could see them.

Galvan said, “I don't think I could muster any words. I would just give Noemi a big hug and tell her I have never forgotten you or Irene’s story.”

 

 

 

 

 




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