Three arrested in Canyon County murder
Three men have been arrested in connection to the murder of James Groat August 27, 2012, near Midland Blvd. and Locust Ln. south of Nampa.
Investigators have arrested 21-year-old Cruz Flores of Wilder, 24-year-old Christopher Michael Duran of Nampa, and 33-year-old Gregory Raymond Higgins Jr. of Nampa on multiple charges, said Canyon County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Marv Dashiell. “Flores and Duran were roommates of the victim, while Higgins was another close associate. Investigators have learned Groat was asked to provide assistance to Duran and Higgins on an alleged drug transaction," Dashiell said in a news release. "When the parties arrived at the location, Higgins confronted Groat over his belief that he was possibly working as an informant. Higgins then shot Groat multiple times. Duran, Flores, and Higgins then left the area in the victim’s vehicle.”
There is no information at this time to substantiate the claim that Groat was working as an informant for any law enforcement agency, he added.
Flores has been arrested on the felony charge of Accessory to First Degree Murder. Duran has been arrested on the felony charges of First Degree Murder, Conspiracy, Kidnapping, and Grand Theft. Higgins has been arrested on the felony charges of First Degree Murder, Conspiracy, and Kidnapping.
Arraignments are scheduled for 1:30 pm Friday at the Canyon County Courthuse.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the investigation and arrests by the City County Narcotics Unit, Nampa Police Department, the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force, and the United States Marshals Service Greater Idaho Fugitive Task Force.
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