A routine hearing in a New Mexico state courtroom took a violent turn when three individuals rushed the defendant in a murder case, leading to a brawl captured by courtroom video cameras on January 31. The incident resulted in felony charges against two men who attacked the defendant in apparent retaliation for the killing of a relative.
The two men have been charged with battery and assault on a public official. The altercation was brought under control when a law enforcement officer intervened, drawing a stun gun to prevent further attacks on the defendant.
