The Line: Court Documents Sealed in Omaree Varela Settlement

July 26, 2019 – The 2013 murder of 9-year-old Omaree Varela captured the attention of the entire Albuquerque community. It also shone a light on how the state protects its most vulnerable citizens. But, does the public also have a right to know about every aspect of the crime? That’s the question at the center of a new Albuquerque Journal article that points out how the details of a settlement in a wrongful death case filed by Omaree’s estate against the Children, Youth and Families Department. Many of those details, including how much money was involved in that settlement have been sealed by the courts. Host Gene Grant and The Line panelists weigh the public’s need to know versus the family’s right to privacy.

Line Panelists:
Diane Denish, Former Lt. Governor
Dave Mulryan, Everybody Votes Founder
Ed Perea, Lawyer and Public Safety Expert
Diane Snyder, Former State Senator

For Further Reading:

Man Convicted in Death of 9-year-old Boy Could have Prison Sentence Cut in Half, KOAT-TV

Court Voids 1 Conviction in Death of Omaree, Albuquerque Journal