Editorial

The Glenn Reitz Murder: Gay Bar Theory

AN UNSOLVED MURDER IN MADERA: Part 7

MADERA - After the death of Glenn Reitz, Madera Police Captain Andrew Moore went through all of the murdered teacher’s papers and personal effects. In this search, the secret life of the victim was revealed. A private side that, even today, some of his family members question and doubt. However, after what Captain Moore uncovered, there is no question that Reitz kept a dangerous secret. One that could potentially put his life at risk every time he brought some stranger back to his house for company.

Upon finding receipts for video rentals, Captain Moore drove to a Fresno adult video store that specialized in "gay porn" called the “Video Box.” The store was part of a larger complex with two gay bars, The Express and The Backroom. Moore showed employees a photo of the victim, who recognized Reitz as a customer in both the video store and bars.

The Glenn Reitz Murder: 28 Years Later

AN UNSOLVED MURDER IN MADERA: Part 8

MADERA - Twenty-eight years after the death of Glenn Reitz, the case remains unsolved. Over the last eight weeks, I have tried to lay out the entire case in detail, hoping that someone might remember something significant and call the Madera Police with tips, and several people did. A few of the tips were about the same individual who was already cleared in the murder 28 years ago, and some of the tips brought new names to the case.

From the information in the police report, at the time of the murder, Madera Police turned over every stone to find a lead in the case. However, most of the reports that were provided to me were written in March and April of 1985. Not a lot of time to find the person who took away someone who did so much for so many. A man like Glenn Reitz deserved more. He deserved justice.

The Big Valley News 2019 Top 15 Christmas Gifts

TOP 15 CHRISTMAS GIFTS - Big Valley News has searched through Amazon and found what we think are the best of the best or this Christmas. We did not select the basic, entry-level versions of a product, but the top of the line, flagship products from these companies. While you can buy a ROKU Television streaming device for around $29, the ROKU we selected is the 2019 ULTRA with JBL headphones and TV controls; top of the line.

We included one honorable mention item, an Amazon ECHO 3rd Generation. We bought our first one about six months ago and now have three throughout the house. We use ours for scheduling our air conditioning and heater, turning on lights, playing music and communicating through the house. This is the one item that I think every house should have, especially if you are an Amazon Prime member.

Molly's Christmas by Mr. Ben F. Bufford

HAPPY HOLIDAYS - In 1979, I met Ben Bufford. He was my freshman English teacher at Madera High School. I had never had a teacher like him. Though, like with many of my teachers at the time, this student squandered the opportunity to learn from one of Madera’s finest educators. While we stayed in contact throughout my four years as a Coyote, we lost touch after my graduation and his retirement.

We reconnected in the '90s at the Madera Drive-In Swap Meet. This is where I learned more about my former teacher like he was also a member of the Freemasons. On Sundays, at the swap meet, we would talk about the lodge, where I was going through my degrees in Scottish Rite and his degree work in Arkansas.