Farmington, NM – Residents, concerned about the recent changes in court rules regarding the pretrial release of criminal defendants, are scheduled to hold a rally in Aztec, near the Aztec courthouse on Tuesday. Organizers say that too many repeat offenders are being let back on the street.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 19 – 7am – 9am
WHERE: Southwest corner of the intersection of South Oliver Avenue and West Aztec Boulevard in Aztec, near the Aztec district courthouse building.
The Stop Catch and Release Rally is scheduled from 7am – 9am on the southwest corner of the intersection of South Oliver Avenue and West Aztec Boulevard in Aztec, near the Aztec district courthouse building.
Diane Hathcock, one of the organizers of the event, believes that new court rules are allowing violent offenders back on the street, citing the death of William Wilson, who was killed on Aug. 27 by gunshots fired by a New Mexico State Police officer and a deputy for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
The new court rules are the result of newly enacted Supreme Court guidelines orchestrated by Chief Justice Daniels that virtually eliminates accountable pretrial release and bail.
“I just really feel as taxpayers, we need to feel safe,” Hathcock said.
New Mexico Bail Reform, Risk Assessments, and Pretrial Services
Chief Justice Charles Daniels
- ZERO Accountability
- ZERO Deterrent
- ZERO Supervision
- ZERO concern for victims
- ZERO Bail…just a “pinky promise” to return
- Bail Reform – Dangerous, Reckless, and a Taxpayer Burden
RELATED:
Residents hold rally against new pretrial detention rules
A group of community residents is hosting a rally against the recent change in rules regarding pretrial detention and release of defendants, arguing too many repeat offenders are on the streets.
The Stop Catch and Release Rally is scheduled for 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday on the southwest corner of the intersection of South Oliver Avenue and West Aztec Boulevard in Aztec, near the Aztec district courthouse building.
Diane Hathcock is one of the organizers of the rally. She said Sen. Bill Sharer, R-Farmington, and San Juan County Sheriff Ken Christesen are scheduled to speak at the event.
Hathcock was prompted to help organize the rally because she believes the new rules put violent offenders back on the street, citing the death of William Wilson, who was killed on Aug. 27 by gunshots fired by a New Mexico State Police officer and a deputy for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
She also said she wants to support local law enforcement agencies.
“We came this close,” Hathcock said. “We almost (had) a couple of police officers that didn’t make it home.”
Wilson was killed by shots fired by officers around 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 27 during a traffic stop at Citizens Bank at 4220 Hudson St.
Law enforcement officials said Wilson retrieved a gun after being handcuffed and fired one shot into the upper-left part of the officer’s chest. The deputy and the officer then fired an unknown number of shots at Wilson, striking him numerous times.
Hathcock said she did not vote on the proposed constitutional amendment during the Nov. 8 general election that led to the new rules from the New Mexico Supreme Court to guide pretrial detention and release for defendants.
https://www.usbailreform.com/albuquerque-nm-3-charged-brutal-rape-kidnapping-woman-free-go-nm-bail-reform-video/
I think you meant Farmington, New Mexico….not New Jersey
We did…and we fixed. Thank you.