News briefs for August 23, 2001

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2001 | 10:33 a.m.

Man charged in July slaying

A 40-year-old man accused of killing his girlfriend's brother while struggling for a gun during an apparent suicide attempt was charged with murder Wednesday.

On July 30, Danilo DelRosario and several people in a West Rochelle Avenue apartment began to wrestle for a gun after DelRosario apparently threatened to kill himself, Metro Police said.

Joel Aguilar, 28, was killed when the gun was fired during the struggle over the weapon, police said.

DelRosario fled, but he was found several hours later near the apartment. His thumb had been shattered by the bullet, and he was taken to University Medical Center. DelRosario also was kept at the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, police said.

DelRosario, who was living with his girlfriend's family at the time of the shooting, had moved to another apartment with his girlfriend after his release from the hospital, police said.

Pearce Ferry ramps closed

The Pearce Ferry launch ramp on the Arizona side of Lake Mead will be closed until further notice.

Low water levels in Lake Mead and a buildup of silt from the Colorado River has prompted the National Park Service to close the boat launches,near the lake's boundary with Grand Canyon National Park.

Raft tour companies use Pearce Ferry as their final stop after leaving the Grand Canyon.

In the interim, Park Service officials suggest boaters use the South Cove launch ramp, about 10 miles southwest of Pearce Ferry.

Reefs, rocks and sandbars near Lake Mead's coves could pose a danger to boaters as the lake continues to drop, Park Service rangers said.

Applications being sent to elderly

Gov. Kenny Guinn said applications for the Senior RX prescription program are being sent to an estimated 10,000 elderly residents who qualify for the state's property-tax rebate program.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to allow our seniors to enroll in Senior RX," Guinn said.

Since June 1 enrollment for the state's drug program has risen from 250 to more than 2,000 members.

Residents 62 and older with incomes of less than $21,500 are eligible for the drug program, which does not require premiums or deductible payments. Qualified applicants can receive up to $5,000 in benefits a year from the purchase of prescription drugs.

The $5 million per year program is supported from money from the state's tobacco settlement.

Applications are also being sent to senior citizens' centers, senior advocacy groups, medical providers, county social services offices and the state Division of Aging Services offices. Seniors can obtain applications by calling (800) 262-7726 or (800) 243-3638.