Arizona Republic from Phoenix, Arizona • Page 8

THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC B6 TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2008 VALLEY STATE rder arolee arrested in '06 mu Valley's Bergamo remembered for his contributions forged ahead with the case. An amendment to the autopsy report dated Feb. 3 listed the cause of death as homicide only after "investigative evidence of violence" was introduced. That evidence was the digitally recorded confession, possibly obtained from a Sony Handycam found in Alcozer's vehicle. Sgt.

Joel Tranter, a Phoenix police spokesman, said someone attempted to erase the recording but police employees were able to recover the mess only blankets. The blankets were there, but so, too, was LeGault's body. Her body was so badly decomposed after four days in the trunk that medical examiners were unable to determine a cause of death. 4 Still, prosecutors were able to charge Alcozer for concealing a body. A Maricopa County Superior Court judge sentenced him in October 2006 to 2'A years in prison.

In the meantime, detectives PAROLEE Continued from Bl medication. Police discovered LeGault when they were called to the apartment complex where Al-cozer's brother lived in the 4500 block of East Baseline Road. LeGault's family found her Kia Spectra parked there, along with Alcozer's Dodge Stratus. Alcozer gave police permission to look in the back of the Stratus, saying they would find 6f You would have a hard time being sad around Ron Bergamo. He was just always optimistic He had a great passion for the industry." Chris Callahan Dean of ASU journalism school Star's race car among 3 slated at collector sale The Arizona Republic SCOTTSDALE Three notable race cars including one owned by Grey's Anatomy star Patrick "McDreamy" Dempsey -will be among the more than 1,100 collector cars auctioned Jan.

12-20 during the 37th Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event. Auction officials are touting the sales as "the ultimate fusion of automotive passion and racing history," ana are expecting an appearance by Dempsey, who People magazine recently named the 2007 Star of the Year. "There are only a few things in life I enjoy more than restoring classic automobiles, and one is racing official title of "The Intimidator." Only 50 Series 3 Camaros will be built. This RCR Series 3 Camaro comes with two powerful engines. One is a 525 horsepower, all-aluminum, 427ci engine built by Keith Craft Motor-sports.

The 525 horsepower engine will allow the owner to enjoy the Series 3 on the street. The alternate engine is a powerhouse SB-2, 603 horsepower unit tuned at the RCR engine shop and used in the No. 3 GM Good-wrench Chevrolet driven by Earnhardt in the 2000 Daytona 500. "This Series 3 Camaro will be the only car equipped with 'The Intimidator' badging, making it a one-off collectible that is perfect for NASCAR fanatics who also like to drive their collector cars," said Brook Phillips, president of Total Performance Inc. More about historic dragster Drag-racing enthusiasts will want to be near when the Warren Johnson 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza crosses the auction block.

A historic part of Johnson's NHRA Pro Stock racing career, the Firenza is restored with a genuine Warren Johnson 500ci first-design DRCE 1000-plus horsepower V8 engine, correct drivetrain and all original chassis components. Johnson will drive the car on stage, autograph the rear wing and pose for pictures with the new owner. Dempsey, who also stars in the movie Enchanted, drove his No. 156 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C in the 2007 Grand-Am KONI Challenge series for Hyper Sport Racing, which he co-owns. The Mustang contains a 5.0 liter, Cammer R50 engine and has earned seven poles, 10 wins, 92 top 10 finishes and 25 podium appearances since 2005.

The winning bidder will also receive a helmet, gloves, shoes, hero card and a DVD box set of the third season of Grey's Anatomy signed by Dempsey, who plays Dr. Derek Shepherd, as well as a track day with Hyper Sport Racing and a day for two at the Ford Racing High Performance Driving School. A version of this story may have appeared in your community Republic. "He cherished it It was in his blood." Channel 10 lost half its viewers in the year after the network changeover. The station's 5 and 6 p.m.

newscasts, which had been in first place the previous year, slipped to third place. The station was ranked last among 10 p.m. newscasts. Yet, Bergamo called a staff meeting and handed out T-shirts that read "Channel 10 Number One," said Hayden, who was a reporter at the time; "He was a cheerleader," Hayden said. "He sold it." Bergamo resigned from Channel 10 in June 1995.

Two years he became general manager of Tucson's Channel 58 (KWBA), an affiliate of the WB Network. In 2002, Londen bought AZ-TV and tapped Bergamo to take the spot of general manager. "We wouldn't have bought that station had we not made a deal with Ron," Londen said. "His leadership was outstanding because he was always smiling and laughing." The station originally was based in Prescott, broadcasting as Channel 7 (KUSK). It moved its headquarters to Phoenix and transmitted an additional signal over Channel 27, said Michael Hagerty, the station's programming and promotion director.

Londen credited Bergamo's acumen for helping turn the small station into a player in the Phoenix market. The station runs syndicated programs like the George Lopez Show and Frasier. It became the broadcast home for the Phoenix Coyotes hockey team in 2006. "I think it's the human side of Ron that everyone fell for. He just had a heart full of gold," Londen said.

"And all you had to do was be around him to realize that." Bergamo served on several boards and councils. He was recently named the chairman of the Cronkite Endowment Board of Trustees, a group that serves as an advisory board for the journalism school at Arizona State University. "You would have a hard time being sad around Ron Bergamo," said Chris Callahan, dean of the journalism school. "He was just always optimistic, always upbeat He had a great passion for the industry." Bergamo is survived by three sons. Information about funeral arrangements was not available Monday.

Reach the reporter at richard.ruelasarizona republic.com or 602-444-8473. Patrick chairman and chief execu-Dempsey dve officer of Scotts. dale-based Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. "In Scottsdale, we will auction several exceptional vehicles with significant racing pedigree and inspiration," Jackson said. "(W)e've got horsepower and star power to satisfy racing fans across the board." The auction will be held at WestWorld, northeast of Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard.

The race cars are: "The Intimidator," a Richard Childress Racing 1969 Series 3 Camaro limited edition vehicle that honors the accomplishments of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. A 1987 NHRA Pro Stock Oldsmobile Firenza from famous drag racer Warren Johnson. A 2005 Ford Mustang FR500C owned and driven by Dempsey, who will donate the proceeds to charity. Details of the Camaro race car To pay homage to the No. 3 Chevrolet made famous by Dale Earnhardt Richard Childress Racing joined forces with Total Performance Inc.

to build the '69 Series 3 Camaro. The car crossing the block in Scottsdale will be Serial No. 3 and the only one with the age-Tranter said detectives played that recording for Alcozer when they arrested him Monday at a Mesa halfway house, and "he made full admissions." A message left for the LeGault family was not returned. "This won't bring Miss LeGault back, but we hope it does grant some relief to the family," Tranter said. "Our investigators are happy that Mr.

Alcozer is booked for the most appropriate charge." VALLEY STATE Suspect in fatal accident leaves hospital, is held TUCSON A 30-year-old Tucson man blamed for a fatal car crash while fleeing from police has been arrested after his release from the hospital. Tucson police say Jose Antonio Del Cid was booked Sunday into Pima County Jail on investigation of second-degree murder, criminal damage and unlawful flight from a pursuing officer. A passenger in the car died, police say, after Del Cid drove the car into a house Dec. 31 while fleeing from a police officer in South Tucson. Prior to the pursuit, police say the car's two occupants were involved in a road-rage incident in which one of the men pointed a shotgun at a victim.

Driver escapes after man in mask leaps into her car SCOTTSDALE A knife-brandishing man wearing a ski mask jumped into the back seat of a car behind a woman in a church parking lot Sunday morning, police said. Screaming, the driver fled the car and was not injured, police said. The man also fled. Scottsdale police were called to the First Baptist Church of Scottsdale about 11:15 a.m. Police gave this account of the woman's story: As the woman got into the driver's seat of her car, parked in a church lot in the 7000 block of East Osborn Road, a man wearing a black ski mask and black leather jacket got into the back seat directly behind her.

The man took out a knife and showed it to the woman. The woman escaped, and the man ran toward Scottsdale Road. The man's motive is unknown, and police were unable to find him. Staff and wire reports Scottsdale's attempts to force Becker to remove signs and artwork that lampoon the city's decisionmakers. Littlefield said the only issue he and Ecton have in common is that both have expressed dismay over Becker's last rezon-ing proposal.

"This is not about reform or bad government Ifs the fact that Henry wants his property rezoned. "It's as, simple as that," Littlefield said. A version of this story may have appeared in your community Republic. first phase could open as early as 2009. "We initially issued a Notice of Presumed Hazard because the structure heights exceeded several FAA obstruction standards," said FAA spokesman Ian Greg-or.

After further review, the agency concluded that the projects "punches up" into an airspace buffer, but doesn't have a negative effect on flights, he added. Over the years, tall projects in both Phoenix and Tempe projects have fallen under FAA scrutiny. Each development is evaluated on its own merits and by how it would impact the airport, the FAA says. TV EXEC Continued from Bl Phoenix. "For running a good station and for absolute integrity." Bergamo's vehicle was struck by a car driven by a Prescott Valley woman, 52, police said.

That woman was flown to Flagstaff Medical Center with critical injuries, police said. Her passenger, a 4-year-old girl who was in a child-safety seat, was injured but is expected to survive. Weather did not appear to be a factor in the accident, police said. Bergamo's wife, Jane, was flown to Phoenix's Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, police said. She was listed in critical but stable condition Monday.

Bergamo grew up in Phoenix and attended the University of Arizona in Tucson. He worked at CBS affiliates in Wichita, and Beaumont, Texas, before returning to his hometown to become general manager of Channel 10, then the CBS affiliate in Phoenix. Bergamo, known for an unfailing enthusiasm and love of the state, oversaw the switching of the station's call letters, from KTSP-TV to KSAZ-TV, standing for the "Spirit of Arizona." He also saw the station through a rocky transition from CBS to the then-upstart Fox Network. That move was prompted by a change in ownership of the station. At the time, the shake-up appeared devastating.

A Republic television critic framed it as exchanging longtime news anchor Dan Rather for cartoon character Homer Simpson. Bergamo took the news with his trademark optimism. "I'm good. I'm fine. I'm really pumped," Bergamo was quoted as saying in 1994.

"There's excitement about Fox, and all that brings to the table." Kevin McCabe, the Fox Sports host, was a sports anchor at Channel 10 during that time. He said Bergamo's optimism kept morale high even as ratings sagged. "He kept everybody's chin up during that time," he said. "It was a weird time and scary, and here was this leader." Bergamo added a three-hour local news show in the morning and started an hour-long prime-time newscast to fill the gap left by a void in programming offered by Fox. Bergamo had an eye for talent.

He hired John Hook and Troy Hayden, anchors who still are with the station. He also lured Jude LaCava from a nighttime radio sports show on KTAR (620) and onto the television screen. "His imprint is still felt here in many ways," said LaCava, the main sports anchor at Channel 10. Although Bergamo worked for media ownership groups, LaCava said Bergamo kept the spirit of being a local broadcaster who felt a deep responsibility to his community. "He held this business in high regard," LaCava said.

'Unknown MONTINI Continued from Bl guished father sent a note that read in part: "My son's body was recently identified after he was found murdered in north Phoenix four years ago. His head was blown off by a shotgun, then he was shot in the back several more times. He was 20 years old and got hooked on meth. He started stealing from his parents to pay off these dealers, who he was in debt to. The father went on to cite the influx of drugs coming into the country through the Arizona-Mexico border and the crime that follows it.

The mother of "Unknown male, 8-22-03" believes that there is more to it than that. An she's right A singe mom. 2 councilmen not sweating recall attempt called Ecton a "puppet," and Littlefield a "waffler," and said they both belonged in the "Pinoc-chio Hall of Shame." Becker has had an ongo Henry Becker ing feud with City Hall and neighbors concerning his attempts to rezone 95 acres of land he owns southeast of Happy Valley and Pima roads. City officials and Becker regularly appear in court about LJ male' a sad, familiar murder story Downtown's CityScape wins FAA's green light natures from registered Scottsdale voters before the recall can appear on the Sept 2 ballot. City Clerk Carolyn Jagger said the county verifies every signature on recall petitions and does not rely on random sampling.

Becker filed the papers under the name Coalition of Scottsdale Taxpayers, or COST, and stated that the two councilmen have "violated the public trust by representing the interests of government rather than the people government is supposed to serve." Criticizing what he called wasteful spending, Becker pected that her son purchased drugs. His body was found in the desert in that part of town. Although she provided DNA to help with identification, Edy was told that it hadn't been processed. Her son was identified, finally, when Edy found a fingerprint card that she had made of him when he was a little boy. "I don't know if we'll ever catch his killers, but at least now we know," she says.

"He's going to be exhumed and cremated. He won't be 'Unknown male, 8-22-03' anymore." He'll be Jack Charles Myr-ick, 20, guitar player, jokester, dreamer, son. Reach Montini at 602-444-8978 or ed.montiniarizona republic.com. Read his blog at montiniblog.azcentral.com. By Lesley Wright The Arizona Republic Scottsdale Councilmen Wayne Ecton and Bob Little-field said they are confident they will withstand a recall challenge filed by Scottsdale resident Henry Becker.

"I don't get excited about it," Ecton said. "The population understands what we've done the last four or five years and I think they'll be comfortable with my continuing on. It will be a good test." Becker filed the papers with the Scottsdale city clerk on Friday but must collect 3,980 sig her son got a guitar. He taught himself to play. His mother recalls him practicing in his room for hours.

She remembers the two of them laughing, talking. She says that shortly before her son went missing, they had reconciled, with him promising to get treatment. Then, suddenly, nothing. Because he was 20 years old and because there had been trouble, Edy says that it was difficult for her to convince the police to investigate what may have happened. "You try to say, 'He's not avoiding me.

He didn't leave But they don't listen," she says. "They didn't start believing me until a lot of time had passed." Edy handed out fliers near an apartment complex north of Loop 101 where she sus A tough neighborhood. In some ways, the script of her son's life made the ending inevitable. "For a lot of the time when he was small, he lived with my parents," Edy says. "That way, I knew that he would come home to a house with people in it.

And he loved his grandparents. He and his grandfather were very close. A lot of his troubles came when his grandfather died, and then his grandmother got sick." The boy started using drugs in high school. Marijuana. Cocaine.

Methamphetamines. "He dropped out. He started stealing. We had shouting matches," Edy says. "It got to the point where I felt like I didn't know him.like he wasn't my boy anymore." When he was 9 years old, FAA Continued from Bl high as 510 feet It was a high stakes issue.

If the FAA said the project was too tall, the city would have denied CityScape's building permit. City leaders have touted CityScape, which broke ground in October, as a crucial downtown development. It's supported by more than $120 million in incentives from Phoenix. The hub of shops, hotels and offices, extends from First Avenue to Second Street, and from Washington to Jefferson streets. Demolition and other site work are under way, and the.