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2 allegedly hit man with baseball bat

Flag City dispute ends in Lodi with two arrested; victim in critical condition

By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 30, 2007 6:46 AM PDT

Comments (96 comment(s))

A 41-year-old man is in critical condition after a Sunday night dispute at a Flag City gas station led to Lodi, where two men beat him with a baseball bat.

Steven Merrill, of Pioneer, and the two men began fighting around 7:50 p.m. at USA Gas, 2448 W. Kettleman Lane. He and Luis Trujillo, 21, were fighting when Juan Trujillo, 22, hit Merrill with an aluminum bat in the chest, knocking him to the ground, according to police.

Then, when Merrill was on the ground, Juan Trujillo allegedly hit Merrill in the face with the bat, said Sgt. Chris Jacobson. Police arrested Juan Trujillo on suspicion of attempted murder.

Luis Trujillo was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy, battery and driving without a license; and both men are also suspected of entering the country illegally, according to police.

Merrill was flown by medical helicopter to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where he was in critical condition, a hospital spokeswoman said Monday.

The incident apparently began at the AM/PM gas station in Flag City near Interstate 5. All three men were involved in a verbal dispute there and Merrill left, with the other men following.

Merrill stopped at the Lodi gas station, where Juan and Luis Trujillo began circling around him and the fight started, police said.

Both suspects, who told police they live in Thornton, are expected to appear in court later this week. Preliminary police reports did not clarify if, or how, the Trujillos are related to one another.

Lodi police have not previously had contact with the suspects.

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

John W. wrote on Nov 12, 2007 9:58 AM:

" Whose country is this anyway? Is it the illegal alien thugs or the American from Pioneer, on the western slpes of the High Sierras. If illegals come here for a life of work then their violent crime should be punished with life at hard labor. I hope that they end up in state prison and not at Mule Creek state Prison, close to the crime scene, but at Pelican Bay where they can have a boring, sensory deprived existence. That should be the punishement for depriving an American citizen of civil rights when done by an illegal alien. "

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well wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:27 PM:

" Ya know, it is not far fetched at all to think that the Trujillos went after Merrill because they are racist towards white people. They beat the man within an inch of his life after chasing him down and attacking him. The Trujillos were headed home to Mexico. Maybe they are prejudiced against any white American. A lot of people from Mexico have this attitude. "

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Dear Hate Crimes wrote on Nov 7, 2007 3:27 PM:

" Why are whites always accused of being prodigious. Are Latino's bias about other races? Could the Truijllos have goen after Mr. Merrill because he was white?Playing the race card is a easy way of not to take responsibility! "

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Rose D. wrote on Nov 7, 2007 11:39 AM:

" Check out the names and faces folks. http://www.lapdonline.org/all_most_wanted "

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CWP wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:55 AM:

" Somebody said the actions of the Trujillos shouldn't be taken as an example of an entiere group. Then explain this- http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2007/10/30/news/1_beating_071030.txt "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:38 PM:

" Kim, hopefully your never in a motor vehicle accident where that hachet is propelled through the air. Moreover, hopefully your never in a sitation where you display that tool which as a weapon would be deadly and the basis of a serious felony charge. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 6, 2007 12:33 PM:

" To charge a defendant with a hate crime the apparent motivation for the crime has to be the race of the victim. It is not race dependant. Any victim, no matter the race, color or creed can suffer from a hate crime. The police did not make the accusation of a hate crime probably becuase they found no evidence of racial motivated crime and not becuase the race of the victim was white. "

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illeagal is illeagal wrote on Nov 6, 2007 11:32 AM:

" As I understand there was NO racial remarks made. Were these guys in to playing baseball or were they armed with baseball bats which would show some intent to use them. They beat this man in the head almost killing him... Not in the arm or leg or anywhere on the body but the head..... "

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Lodian wrote on Nov 6, 2007 9:27 AM:

" Q: What do your comments have to do with these criminals beating people up at gas stations? I fail to see the connection. "

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HATE CRIMES! wrote on Nov 6, 2007 7:49 AM:

" If the aalleged perps were anglos and the victims were "latinos" they would be charged with HATE crimes. Its time for us to charge them for HATE CRIMES! The liberals never thought about this angle. "

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Kim wrote on Nov 4, 2007 5:28 PM:

" I drive with a hatchet on my front seat and I suggest you all do the same. "

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Q wrote on Nov 3, 2007 1:33 PM:

" TO LODI LIVING, I'M AMERICAN ALSO. AND I DONT HAVE NOTHING TO HINE EITHER. GO WORK OUT IN THE FIELD FOR LESS PAY AND WORK FOR 10 TO 12 HOURS A DAY. AND SEE IF U HAVE ENOUGHT MONEY TO SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY, PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE AND PAY YOUR BILLS. "

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Lodi Living wrote on Nov 3, 2007 10:51 AM:

" I still wont the Phone number. I have nothing to hide. I'm a very proud American. "

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Q wrote on Nov 3, 2007 9:38 AM:

" TO LODI IVING, U GO AND WORK IN THE FIELDS AND WORK 10 TO 12 HOURS A DAY TO SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY. THAT ONLY JOB THE WHITE PEOPLE DONT WANT. THEY RATHER BE ON WELFARE THEN WORK. "

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Twosticks wrote on Nov 2, 2007 6:42 PM:

" You folks better lock & load, as we here in AZ are doing! If these bastards want war, they will find out just what American's are made of! We have open carry here! And CCW as well! It's time to issue some marching orders for the invading bastards! "

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Lodi iving wrote on Nov 2, 2007 4:07 PM:

" Does anyone have a Phone Number to report illegal's that are in this area. I know alot of people that have lost their job to them. And the company is getting away with it. "

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Ajax wrote on Nov 2, 2007 7:58 AM:

" Steve's mom is 100% right. I hope your son has a qucik recovery. You are in our prayers. "

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Randy wrote on Nov 1, 2007 9:20 PM:

" I am Sick and tired of these And other Illegals crossing our border and hurting, killing. Raping.ect.. ..ect Go to www.numbersusa.com and sign up To send free faxes to your elected officials. Tell them to put a stop to this nonsense "

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100% American wrote on Nov 1, 2007 8:58 PM:

" My heritage is German, French,And Sioux Indian. But, I'm 100% American. It isn't about race. It's about how you get here that makes people mad. I'd be mad as a one legged man in a butt kicking contest if I jumped through all the right hoops to get here and have to compete with an illegal alien from any country to keep my job and my rights. Anyways, 2 on 1 plus a bat, punk cowards. Eye for an eye. Do the same to them. "

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tired of hearing it wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:04 PM:

" Mrs. Merrill..our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "

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tired of hearing it wrote on Nov 1, 2007 1:04 PM:

" To "L"...you know it's not that us WHITE people don't want Mexicans here..if you were born here and speak English "welcome" if not "get out"!! Are white people in Mexico there illegally? Are they continuously committing crimes? Are the Mexican people paying for them to live there? I REALLY DOUBT IT!! "

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Bobby wrote on Nov 1, 2007 12:25 PM:

" When I think of the enormous,(for me) amount of taxes I have paid to the State of California it sickens me. Watching it be systematically destroyed by utterly worthless politicians, no let me take that back, utterly worthless people, like Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, and Nancy Pelosi is surreal. Yeah, they have a real sense of duty to the taxpayers and their childrens safety, don't they. You can't even, with a clear sense of safety, walk your dog at night, in most parts of this state. Will Boxer, Pelosi, and Feinstein be voted back in? Sure they will. "

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Steve's Mother wrote on Nov 1, 2007 11:52 AM:

" As I read this BLOG I have a comment: This IS about illegal, illegal actions. This is entitlement, take what you want when you want. This is about anger and hate, these two men were used weapons, aluminum bat, glass bottles and a automobile agents another man who's only aggression was to try to take the bat and defend him self. This is about NO regard for another human or our laws. This is NOT about the color of their skin but their actions! "

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Lyndah Merrill wrote on Nov 1, 2007 8:10 AM:

" I would like to thank lodi pd and Ucd neurosurgical trauma unit and er and all hospital staff for my husbands excellent care.thankyou all who sent there prayers during this senseless tragedy. Steven is continuing to revover thanks to the outstanding medical care he is recieving and the grace of god, thankyou "

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Jeffersonian wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:50 AM:

" Good Luck JBP, California is a lost cause I'm afraid, expecially with that lying reconquista Mayor Villa"imonthe"ragosa. Any attempts to pass a law like OK will invariably be struck down by the liberal dictators at the 7th circuit, ie. prop 103. Nope as Thomas Jefferson said "from time to time the tree of liberty muse be watered by the blood of patriots and tyrants". Taking our country back the old fasioned way may well be the only recourse at this point. Very Sad. "

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killio wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:42 AM:

" Good luck protecting yourself in this Kommunsist state. Most other state have taken a progressive stance for citizen self defense but Kalifornia is still in the victim-hood stage. CCW's are almost impossible to obtain unless you are connected and anyone who thinks the police are going to protect them is certifiable. This will just keep getting worse. "

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Dawes wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:15 AM:

" " Merrill was followed by these cretin savages, and attacked. How many more American victims will it take before WE take back what is ours from the governmental traitors who have let it become a vast wasteland for anyone and everyone who enters. " Apparently, in Lodi, it will take a lot ........ "

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To Quantumflux wrote on Nov 1, 2007 7:13 AM:

" Q-Flux is the Mexican Marxist who is constantly making anti-American, pro-LaRaza Invasion remarks on the Modesto Bee. Check it out yourselves. Types like him, are the racist problem. "

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L wrote on Nov 1, 2007 6:22 AM:

" ALL U WHITE PEOPLE DONT WANT MEXICANS HERE, HOW ABOUT THE WHITE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN MEXCIO. THE WHITE PEOPLE HAVE NO BUSINESS LIVING IN MEXICO THEN. THEN THE MEXICANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO KICK THE WHITE PEOPLE OUT OF MEXICO. U GUYS DID NOT THINK ABOUT THAT. "

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Bail man wrote on Nov 1, 2007 2:14 AM:

" Greetings from the “New Peoples Republic of Mexifornia” here in the Occupied territories of Azltan. This another in a very long list of examples why a belligerent, arrogant, and uncooperative group of Illegal Alien Law Breakers who have invade out nation should be pack up like cord wood in trucks and forcibly deported from our nation Immediately. As a Hispanic American my opinion is based on respect, gratitude and appreciation for this Great nation, which affords us the Legal U.S. citizens freedom. Best advice Canned Goods and Shotguns. "

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Maggie wrote on Oct 31, 2007 8:58 PM:

" When something like this happens, the employer of these criminals needs to be sued. Here in Tennessee, we have had several women killed by illegals from Mexico. "

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Arlene wrote on Oct 31, 2007 7:18 PM:

" This is disgusting they are in the country illegally. This is the mentality of these people, shows their third world standards. Get them gone and ecure our borders against any more comming, I have had it. and what will happn to them a slap on the wrist and maybe they deport them . Disgusting people. "

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Rev. Clark wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:57 PM:

" This is appalling. I visited Lodi just this last Spring. It was a beautiful city. I live in Oregon. I hope California can be delivered from the mess the Mexicans have made of it. Sorry about that, but if the shoe fits wear it. "

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Cal wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:36 PM:

" Ajax, that thinking is both incorrect and dangerous. "

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Cal wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:34 PM:

" Get someone who knows spanish to listen to your local spanish radio station (commando invasion communications substation. And dont think I'm kidding) and listen to the hate and vile they discuss, hidden in the open. Wake up, this incident does not even define the beginning of troubles to come. "

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Rick wrote on Oct 31, 2007 6:09 PM:

" Garbage like this is EXACTLY WHY and the ONLY REASON I CARRY A GUN (LEGALLY OF COURSE), and I would recommend it to anyone who can get a permit. This is fast going to become the only way to deal with this scum. "

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JJ wrote on Oct 31, 2007 5:39 PM:

" Young guys don't have guts anymore. I remember when guys actually fought with their fist instead of a gun, bat, chains, etc., At least using your fist is a fair way to fight and it shows that you are a real man not a wanna be.. "

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weatherman wrote on Oct 31, 2007 5:09 PM:

" I feel sorry for the man who was beat down by these terrible men. the fight was over who was at the pump first. hope you people will have a meeting when these illegals get bail. american justice for americans wronged by illegals, It is time for you people in Lodi to stand up and send a STRONG Message. for more what you can do go too. www.americanpatrol.com for more education on how to get these illegals in court. "

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Basta Ya wrote on Oct 31, 2007 5:07 PM:

" Merrill was followed by these cretin savages, and attacked. How many more American victims will it take before WE take back what is ours from the governmental traitors who have let it become a vast wasteland for anyone and everyone who enters. "

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JBP wrote on Oct 31, 2007 4:57 PM:

" It's time to take California back and pass a law like Oklahoma did which takes effect tommorrow. This would make our law enforcement community enforce our laws as they should have been doing all along and keep illegal aliens and their children's violent gang mentality out of this state. If they are released on bail while Mr. Merrill remains hospitalized, all Californians should be embarrassed by what they call "justice" in this state. "

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PaulS wrote on Oct 31, 2007 4:31 PM:

" There's just to much of bs going on nowadays. Illegal alien Mexicans stealing into this country thinking they can do whatever they want just like they were in Mexico. Just the other day another Mexican tried to grab a girl right off the street and tried to rape her. Fortunately she fought back and got away. Local cops need to help the feds enforce our laws and arrest illegal alien Mexicans wherever they are and turn them over to ICE so they can be deported. "

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Lodi Native wrote on Oct 31, 2007 4:03 PM:

" This tragic story won't the the last. How do we know they are illegal? Because they followed him 10 miles, and tried to kill him. That's how I know. We reap what we sow, if we continue to welcome people who don't share our values into our community, we'll continue to wake up with fleas. Funny how we never had these problems when legal immigrants from Viet Nam came to Stockton/Lodi in the late 70s/early 80s. Straght A students, who after one generation, speak better english than most. "

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Deborah wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:47 PM:

" When we start suing our government who is responsible for the crimes committed against us by illegal aliens and we start demanding OUR Constitutional right to secure borders and peace and safety in our land we will force our leaders to do the will of the people which they pledged to represent and protect! It's up to us! "

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Deborah wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:46 PM:

" This is about much more than this crime and the suffering of this victim. This person should recover but his life will never be the same as is true with millions of Americans who are effected by the 20 or more million illegal aliens in our country. "

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Deborah wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:42 PM:

" All American citizens who suffer crime at the hands of illegal aliens should sue government from the city level all the way to the feds! As many as 25 Americans are killed everyday at the hands of illegal aliens! We are forced to pay billions of our tax dollars to Homeland Security, State and local enforcements and should be protected. This is our Constitutional right! Yes, Americans still have rights if they will only fight for them! "

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illegalsgo2hell wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:38 PM:

" typical illegal behavior..they have already killed more since the war started then we have actually lost in the war..when are politicians going to learn..deport-jail-enforce our borders and prosecute people that hire them..and no more public services..and make english our national language and mandatory to learn is you want to be a citizen!!!! "

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Bobby wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:27 PM:

" Yeah, undocumented workers, right. Since no one is checked who comes across that border, even if the term undocumented workers is used,(instead of the term used in U.S. immigration law, illegal alien),that doesn't mean their all workers. Among them are Mexico's criminals--rapists, murderers, theives, child molesters,etc. You can thank your policticians from both parties especially the Democrats, who seem to be powerless on every issue concerning Americans, including the "war". What a heavy stone around the poor taxpaying Californians neck they are. "

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quantumflux wrote on Oct 31, 2007 3:22 PM:

" They are not illegals. This is OUR country, we cannot be illegal on our own lands. This is justified self-defense against against clear racism from Merrill "

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Heritage209 wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:37 PM:

" Lindah Merrill: you, your husband and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers. The two individuals responsible for this heinous, barbaric act will receive what they deserve. "

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CWP wrote on Oct 31, 2007 2:26 PM:

" This sounds like a hate crime. Mexicans attacking an American white man and doing their part to bring about Aztlan and Reconquista. "

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Tim Mc Hugh wrote on Oct 31, 2007 1:59 PM:

" To the family members who said that it is not a racial conflict.... Not for you, but for the other men? I think it must have been. They don`t play by your rules, what makes you think they share your beliefs? "

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Heritage209 wrote on Oct 31, 2007 1:35 PM:

" To "ToHeritage209"...No, I do not go to Heritage school, nor do I claim a gang.......why are you stereotyping? You are so quick to judge...sounds like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I chose Heritage because I am proud of my heritage and 209 because I'm a life-long Lodian...make sense to you?!? "

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Finally wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:56 PM:

" Your prayers and thoughts will be passed on to Steve. Our Family thanks you during our trying time. "

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adding more wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:55 PM:

" I think the main point we should all focus on is letting our justice system put theses guys were they belong. From what I understand there were several witnesses of which assisted Lodi PD in the apprehension of these individuals. I want to send a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped. Its people like this which are the under appreciated hero’s of our community and I hope I’ll have the opportunity to personally thank you during the justice process. "

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More to comment wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:53 PM:

" I’ve worked the road here and have come across several hardworking farm labor workers, who are here to make a better life for them and their families. Many are here legally; however there are several here which are not legal. My opinion shouldn’t matter and I don’t think this incident should be construed as an Immigration Issue. It definitely strikes a chord with all the political issues we face with tightening our borders. Legal or illegal these guys are what they are! "

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Continued wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:53 PM:

" Regarding the incident and from what I could gather is Steve tried to avoid the situation, but these two individuals pursued him and escalated the incident which put my brother in a critical state. "

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Let's keep it straight! wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:52 PM:

" First of all I'd like to thank all the concerned citizens which have taken the time to post comments here. I'm Steve's brother, I’m a law enforcement officer, and I have worked in the San Joaquin Valley for the past three years, a 10 year veteran in all. I’d like to thank Lodi PD for their speedy and professional response. I just got home from tending to my brother at UCD. He seems to be recovering well and we're optimistic of a full recovery. "

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RoadTested wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:20 PM:

" "Luis Trujillo was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy, battery and driving without a license; and both men are also suspected of entering the country illegally, according to police." Throw them in jail and throw away the key. To these pieces of vermin, life is cheap. Show them how cheap their lives are! "

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INS wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:52 PM:

" from thorton time for a raid, or maybe just use the town as new jail. "

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100% American wrote on Oct 30, 2007 9:42 PM:

" If people come here to try and make a better life, why can't they come together in their own country like they do in our big city sreets? They put up such a stink here but won't do nothing in their own country. But they sure will fly their home country flag and forget where their bread is really getting buttered. Get out!!! We have plenty of free loaders that collect free checks that can do the work. "

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Lyndah Merrill wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:37 PM:

" I have just spent the last 48+ hours in a trauma unit praying my husbands brain stops bleeding and dosent keep swelling. This is not about race, its about a man returning from a fishing trip with his stepson and two punks who decide they want to play road rage, and they could care less about human life. They beat a unarmed man with a metal base ball bat after trying to run him off the road. I dont care what there race is. They will be held accountable in my country!!! The USA. "

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ben dover wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:20 PM:

" two more fine representations of why america needs to get with the program. we have enough american criminals. why take more from mexico? two on one plus a bat. these mexican nationals are degenerate scum. plain and simple. "

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Dawes wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:17 PM:

" Talk about a sanctuary City, now Savemart foods has big signs saying "no License" to remit money. You just need a "Matricula Consular ID" card. Only illegal aliens have those because legal aliens have State ID's or Permanent Alien Resident Cards. Heritage209, L , and "to Mayor Bean" are just upset because they thought their illegal invasion was gonna be a secret. "

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To Heritage209 wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:13 PM:

" Hey did you pick that name because you go to Heritage or are part of the 209 gang? Ya I know what that means. This isn't stereotyping, it is statisticalizing. Maybe you show read the FBI's Crime statistics on illegals before you open your mouth. They are on the net. "

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A Friend wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:38 PM:

" I have known Steven and his family for a long time, and what happenned is a tragedy and should not be taken lightly. Whether these monsters are illegal or not, they need to pay for nearly beating Steven to death! These two monsters have no regard for human life. Steven clings to life while his family holds on to hope that he will recover. As far as I and many of the Merrill's friends here in Amador County are concerned, these two chicken @$%#'s should endure the same pain and misery that Steven did! "

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Jail issue wrote on Oct 30, 2007 5:42 PM:

" I have noticed that everyone says send them back. If they are sent back to mexico they will not stand trial for the crimes they have committed here. In six months they will return to California free men. They should stand trial for what they have done and be put down just like a rabid dog. As a society we put more restraints on dogs then we do people. If we put a dog down for biting someone then we should put a human down for beating someone with a bat. "

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Lodian wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:39 PM:

" To L : Did you miss this part... "...both men are also suspected of entering the country illegally, according to police." That's why people are posting that the criminals may be illegal and talking about the problems that come with such people. "

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USA wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:35 PM:

" Not that this matters, but what prompted the fight? I mean, there is two sides to each story? Legal or NOT, it's not right that they took it out beyond extreme. Dumb, now they rot in jail on our tax dollars... "

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To Mayor Bean III wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:35 PM:

" This beauty has been flipped four times in ten years! Who wants to be the "last fool" to sell when it drops back to $86,000? Maybe another bank bank will own it do to foreclosure? "

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To Mayor Bean II wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:32 PM:

" Hundreds of "highball" house appraisals, complicit Realtors and Loan officers have given us this mortgage mess and possibly our next recession. Thanks King Bob. I just saw a new listing today for a "Lodi Wonder" built in 1911. This Lodi beauty sold for about $50 in 1913, and now the "last fool" (the bank) is asking $269,000 for this "artisan handcrafted home" which was sold in 1987 for $22,000. That was a great appraisal? Is this one of yours? This "Executive estate" built before World War I, has running water and an inside commode. "

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To Mayor Bean wrote on Oct 30, 2007 3:30 PM:

" You only are speaking for yourself! You may be lazy but most Lodians are not! There are hundreds of laborers and farmworkers in Lodi who are Legal. How can you make such a generalization? Go back to counting your dry beans and pretend job as a real estate appraiser. Your profession has a bad name nowadays, I wouldn't brag about it. "

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dogbark wrote on Oct 30, 2007 2:44 PM:

" Recently a blogger proposed a simple pay-for-itself amnesty plan: let undocument workers prove they've been employed here for 3 years. Then document them guest workers. Go after those employers that hired them collect the 3 years of unemployment comp, workmans comp and employer Soc Security NOT withheld, this windfall would help the program pay for itself and level the playing field for the honest employers. Secondly use that Soc. Sec. match to buy annuities for the workers IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY to collect at age 60. This all made sense. Sadly many agri-businessmen here would fight this tooth and nail. "

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to Ajax wrote on Oct 30, 2007 2:30 PM:

" just to say read the paper right the fight started in a different place then the 2 Mexicans fallowed him and started a fight....and to put what you said in that comment of yours is bull...if they wouldn't have fallowed him they wouldn't be in jail...to tell you the truth i hope they rot there and get beat as well... "

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Heritage209 wrote on Oct 30, 2007 1:30 PM:

" "Dawes"...don't stereotype: "So we have more lovely illegal invaders in the paper, in Lodi, again. Beating a 41 year old man with a baseball bay. Doing the jobs Americans won't do, apparently." Not all individuals that enter the country (albeit illegally) do NOT act out in violence as is the case here w/the Trujillo brothers. This is a tragic & extreme case, but not one that applies to all undocumented individuals, whether they be Mexican, Asian, or Indian. It's sad that the Lodi News Sentinel has to place this kind of article on the front page. "

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Steve Merrill is my friend. wrote on Oct 30, 2007 1:20 PM:

" I have known Steve for several years. He is a good man and a good friend. He is not the type to provoke an attack. What happened to him is proof we have no control over these crazy people. Steve speaks spanish and half of his co-workers are Mexicans. This is not a racial conflict. He lives in the foothills and goes to the Delta to go fishing. California needs to implement the Death sentence and USE IT!. "

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Flag City Gas Buyer wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:59 PM:

" Sounds like road rage at the gas station. Is Flag City and AM/PM Highway 12 in the Lodi City Limits? This is something the CHP or SJ Sheriffs should handle instead. "

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Tired of hearing it wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:47 PM:

" This is AMERICA...let's keep it that way!!! If those jerks were not here then that gentleman would not be in the hospital right now fighting for his life. Don't tell me they are hear looking for a better life. Obviously these two were looking to TAKE a life. GET THEM OUT OF HERE!!! ALL OF THEM!! "

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Tired of hearing it wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:47 PM:

" ILLEGAL...is ILLEGAL. What part of that is not understood. Why waste our tax payers $$ on these idoits. SEND THEM BACK. They may do the jobs that no one else will do BUT if we sent them all back...someone would have to do it. The homeless, low income, welfare people can do what the illegals do. The reason one will do it is because the pay is so low...well, that's because the illegals have set a mark on wages cuz they will work for almost anything. "

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L wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:39 PM:

" THERE U GO AGAIN. HOW DO U KNOW THE TRUJILLO BROTHERS ARE ILLEGAL? ARE ANY OF U GUYS MARRIED TO THEM. THINK BEFORE U OPEN YOUR MOUTH. "

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T & C wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:35 PM:

" They're here in Lodi for a better life. Our city council and chamber of commerce make sure of that. Wake up leaders and fix this problem! A real leader would step up, but then this is Lodi. "

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T & C wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:33 PM:

" What a terrible crime ridden weekend for livable, lovable Lodi. Tell me again how well we have crime under control? Thanks, ex-chief Hansen, for turning your head all those years and looking the other way. You're as useless on the council as you were when you were the police chief. "

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OTH wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:24 PM:

" If they hold them in jail until next week they will be there. Otherwise they're already gone. "

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Ajax wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:16 PM:

" Remove the racial implications from the accusations and the allegations that remain is that 2 men were fighting and another man assited his friend by striking the other combatant with a bat. That's aggravated assault. Now the second blow with the bat to the face is a different matter. it does sound like the man was trying to kill the man prone on the ground. There is no need for trying to argue that 2 men arrested are typical of a group of people. "

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WTF wrote on Oct 30, 2007 11:40 AM:

" COWARDS!!! I HOPE THEY ARE STILL CUSTODY, ELSE THEY ARE GONE. I HOPE THAT THEY HAVE "PROBLEMS" AT THE JAIL. "

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self defense courses wrote on Oct 30, 2007 11:32 AM:

" this is why people should take a self defense class or enroll in a karate school that teaches self defense. a 2 attacker situation is not uncommon and if you having training to deal with it, you have a better chance of survival. and the other guy brought out a bat, so learning defense moves against a weapon is very important too. "

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American of Mexican Desent wrote on Oct 30, 2007 11:22 AM:

" Send them back to Mexico,those bums. "

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Major Ben Johnson wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Sounds like they are just doing the work the rest of us won't do. "

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Lodi Is A Sanctuary! wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:13 AM:

" No one can EVER convince me that Lodi is not a sanctuary for illegals! "

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It Will Never Stop Because wrote on Oct 30, 2007 10:12 AM:

" Those across the border are simply trying to make a better life for themselves in America! Sadly you will find that two, three or four against one victim in Lodi is the NORM! It is called "Rat Packing"! to make sure you don't lose! "

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Concerned Citizen wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:53 AM:

" "Luis Trujillo was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy, battery and driving without a license; and both men are also suspected of entering the country illegally, according to police." This is so upsetting. Those punks need to go back to their country and rot in jail!! They do not need to waste any more of our tax dollars! My prayers go out to the 41 year old man and his family. This is a senseless act and I certainly hope these men pay for what they have done!! "

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Weezer wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:46 AM:

" The Trujillo brothers are also suspected of entering the country illegally, according to police. But, we all know that the police's hands are tied when it comes to handling immigration cases. "

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Rhonda Manning wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:29 AM:

" They should be sentenced for their crimes and then SEND THEM BACK TO MEXICO!!!!!!!!! "

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Shame on Lodi 2 wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:16 AM:

" I predict the Trujillos will NOT be in court this week. Why should they? Its likely they are illegals, so why show up? I hope the court places a high bounty on them if they decide to flake out. Thornton is a long time "hide out" for illegals and had a legal worker camp for braceros which ended 40 years ago, but they keep sneaking in. Maybe ICE needs to visit Thornton? "

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Shame on Lodi wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:14 AM:

" I hope Mr. Merrill recovers. I read the article, and don't understand something: "both men are suspected of entering this country illegally". It is simple: Call up ICE and they will determine immigration status, AT NO CHARGE to Lodi. It looks like LODI is one of these illegal sanctuary cities. One of the suyspects was arrested for driving without a license which is NOT a felony, but being an illegal alien is a FELONY! Who started this "Don't ask - Don't tell policy"? "

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j lawrence endicott wrote on Oct 30, 2007 8:01 AM:

" Juan Trujillo and Luis Trujillo ? Sounds like more trouble from those Germans from North Dakota. "

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Dawes wrote on Oct 30, 2007 6:57 AM:

" Sounds like these illegal invaders were stalking him, don't we have a stalking law in this state too? So we have more lovely illegal invaders in the paper, in Lodi, again. Beating a 41 year old man with a baseball bay. Doing the jobs Americans won't do, apparently. "

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