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Judge Rules Former New Mexico Republican State House Candidate Must Remain in Jail Pending Trial for Alleged Involvement in Conspiracy to Shoot at Homes of Legislators and County Commissioners

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Key takeaways:

  • Judge David Murphy of the Second Judicial District Court ruled that Solomon Peña posed a threat to the targets of the shootings and their family members and that there were no conditions of release that would ensure public safety.
  • Peña is accused of masterminding the shootings in December and early January, providing the guns used, suggesting the use of stolen cars to avoid being identified, and being present at the fourth and final shooting.
  • Peña had previously made a series of baseless election fraud claims and is currently facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence. His trial is set to begin in April.

A former New Mexico Republican state house candidate has been ordered to remain in jail as he awaits trial for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to shoot at the homes of two state legislators and two Bernalillo County commissioners.

Judge David Murphy of the Second Judicial District Court ruled on Monday that Solomon Peña posed a threat to the targets of the shootings and their family members and that there were no conditions of release that would ensure public safety.

Peña, who lost his race for the state house overwhelmingly in November, is accused of masterminding the shootings in December and early January. An investigator said Peña provided the guns used in the shootings, suggested the use of stolen cars to avoid being identified and was present at the fourth and final shooting.

The judge also pointed to Peña’s history of felony convictions involving property crimes and the use of stolen vehicles, mirroring the tactics police say were used in the shootings.

Peña had previously made a series of baseless election fraud claims and had pressured the county commissioners not to certify the election results. He is currently facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated battery, and tampering with evidence. His trial is set to begin in April.

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