FROM THE ARCHIVE
Viejas tribal chairman freed from jail
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2002

The chairman of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians has been released from a California jail after authorities failed to bring charges in connection with a fatal stabbing.

Steven TeSam was arrested along with his nephew and a juvenile after a rap music concert during which Faitamai Taunuu was stabbed to death and another man was injured. Hank Banegas, the nephew, is being charged.

According to KGTV, Banegas is 26 years old. His son, who was also picked up after the stabbing, is reported to 16 years old.

Get the Story:
No Murder Charges Filed Against Viejas Chairman (KGTV 10/23)
Charges filed in Chula Vista concert slaying; tribal leader freed (AP 10/23)
Viejas chairman to be freed in slaying case (The San Diego Union-Tribune 10/24)
Charges filed in slaying at Nelly concert (The Hollywood Reporter 10/24)

Relevant Links:
Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians - http://www.viejas.com

Related Stories:
Viejas chairman charged with murder (10/21)