Well, as a guy who was there...literally. We came down to set up on the police range right next to the civilians range for a 4 H Shooting Sports match. Here is what it looks like. The road coming in from top left is now paved to the range entrance, and across that road is now the RC airfield.
View attachment 1140969
Arica road was blocked off at Trekell by two PCSO vehicles and I could see a bunch more at the range - it's flat desert from Trekell Road to both ranges. I was there at approximately 05:25, (WAY early, but I tend to do that), and called the other 4H'ers to see if we wanted to cancel or reschedule. Ultimately the private trap and skeet club, (can't see on that picture, but just out of view on the top of the photo), allowed us to use two bays for the kids. The cops had them blocked in as well and a chopper in the air until about 6:30, or so - we were waiting on the side of the road in the shantytown, as we couldn't call all the parents and let them know we had moved. When PCSO, (Pinal County Sheriffs Office), moved back the merely blocked the entrance to Isom Road at the trap and skeet club so residents could get in and out. By that time the helo had left.
First thing - it was DARK. Nobody brass rats that time of night - they show up right at the end of the day, (City locks the gate at sundown), and by that time the lanes are pretty much picked over. Only thing left is 22lr and a BUNCH of rusting steel.
Second, while range rules state nobody is to be scavenging brass, it is universally ignored, as there is NO monitoring on the range - it's all on the honor system. I can also say I have had my run ins with brass rats grabbing my brass AS IT FALLS, which lead to interesting conversations, since I AM a reloader, but 99% of the brass rats are very deferential and will ask if you reload or save your brass before they jump in. So there was no reason for this guy to be out there at that time of night. As for berm mining, completely impractical - the range is locked shut at the entrance, so the shortest distance he could walk with a full load of mined lead in the dark over dirt would be over 100 yards. The likelihood is astronomically low.
Third, this range is free and open to the public, city maintained and controlled...and honestly, they do a pretty good job. I have been shooting there about 20 years and have yet to see an accident. However, I also keep an eye on my fellow shooters and when someone sketchy walks up, I pack and scoot. I live about 10 minutes from there, so no big deal, I can always come back later.
So, to finish - there's a LOT that is sketchy with the story, including that the residents of the trap and skeet club, (it's also a RV park, hence the private nature), stated they heard a gun battle at the time of death indicated, not just a few execution shots. I have only seen one armed brass rat, (High Point in an Uncle Mikes rig, but functional), so again, some things don't add up. FAR more likely a drug deal gone bad, as the drug smuggling route ceded to the Cartels from Obummer is only a few miles west of this location.
Another thought I had was he possibly worked 3rd shift, and so he was preparing for what was his “evening” reloading session? 
