Deputies look for the men
who attacked 82-year-old

Former County Commissioner Earnest Becenti Sr. [file photo by Jeff Jones / Independent]

By Bill Donovan
Staff writer

A McKinley County sheriff's detective is asking for the public's help in bringing to justice the two men responsible for beating up a former McKinley County commissioner on July 4th near Coyote Canyon. Earnest Becenti Sr., 82, was driving alone County Road 27 some 10 miles south of Coyote Canyon when his tire went flat. As he was getting his jack out of the trunk, a red Dodge Neon stopped and one of the passengers got out. Becenti was attacked and robbed by two of the three men in the car. One of the suspects may have been wearing copper-wired eyeglasses. Anyone who has information about the incident is being asked to call Crimestoppers at 722-6161. The caller will not have to give their name and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.