By RODNEY HART
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
HANNIBAL, Mo. -- The man accused of killing two people last Saturday in a Hannibal apartment had a valid driver's license, Social Security number and other forms of identification, police officials say.
Manuel Cazares, 32, has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the stabbing deaths of Amanda Thomas and Patrick Epley. Police discovered Cazares, who was working as a waiter at the Gran Rio Mexican restaurant, had entered the country illegally by running a check after he turned himself in mid-morning Saturday.
Thomas had filed three orders of protection in the past two years against Cazares, who also had several traffic citations dating to 2006 and conviction for property damage in February 2008.
Police have come under scrutiny this week for not previously checking on Cazares' immigration status despite several contacts with him, but Capt. Jim Hark said Wednesday that Cazares had a valid Tennessee driver's license when he was stopped for the traffic violations.
"When run through the computer, his license came back with a valid and matching Social Security number," Hark said. "He had two forms of picture ID. Nothing comes back to indicate he wasn't legitimate."
How Cazares obtained the documents is the big question. It's not known how long he has lived in the United States.
"I am sure there are many ways to fool the system," Hark said.
Each state issues tests for a person wanting a driver's license. They must present proof of lawful presence, identity and residency.
To show proof of lawful presence, a U.S. citizen may show a birth certificate issued by a state or local government, a valid or expired U.S. passport, a certificate of citizenship, certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of birth abroad.
To show proof of identity, a Social Security card or Medicare card is required.
For residency proof, there are a variety of options to show a current address. Examples include a recent utility bill, property tax receipt or most recent bank statement, voter ID card, or any official letter issued within the last 30 days by another state or local governmental agency on its letterhead.
Getting a Social Security card is more complicated. Social Security employees will ask to see documents like an immigrant visa, passport, work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security or other forms.
Cazares will have his first court appearance Friday in Hannibal, appearing via video from the Marion County Jail in Palmyra, where he is being held on $1 million bond.
The funerals for Thomas, 27, and Epley, 25, were scheduled for today.
Hannibal Cavemen ownership partner Larry Owens announced Wednesday that the team will host a May 16 concert to benefit the victims' children at Clemens Field. Country act Candy Colburn and another group will perform.
Proceeds will be donated to Thomas' children, Skylie and Taybyrn, and Epley's son, Logan. Hannibal National Bank is setting up the accounts.
-- rhart@whig.com/221-3370
