The Region - News from Sept. 19, 1986

A commander of the Mexican internal security agency jailed in San Diego as a witness in the kidnap-slaying of American drug agent Enrique S. Camarena could be freed soon, his lawyer said. Michael P. Murray, who represents Mario Martinez Herrera, a commandante of the Mexican General Directorate of Investigations and National Security, insists his client knows nothing about the killing. A scheduled hearing on Martinez’s detention at the Metropolitan Correctional Center was postponed at the request of James Wilson, a Justice Department attorney who will question Martinez today before a federal grand jury. Murray said the hearing was delayed until early next week “so we can complete certain discussions in order to expedite the resolution of (Martinez’s) material witness status.” Murray said prosecutors want to examine evidence that Martinez believes will clear him.