A New Mexico murder suspect, Alexander Ortiz, was violently assaulted in court on Friday by the uncle and stepfather of the alleged victim, Alianna Farfan. The incident, captured on courtroom video, occurred during a plea hearing at the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque.
Video footage shows Carlos Lucero, Farfan’s uncle, leaping over the courtroom barrier and charging toward Ortiz, who attempted to flee. Moments later, Pete Ysasi, Farfan’s stepfather, joined the attack. A chaotic brawl ensued, involving Ortiz, Lucero, Ysasi, a corrections officer, Ortiz’s father, and an unidentified sixth man.
During the altercation, Lucero and Ysasi were seen punching Ortiz, who was wearing jeans and a dark long-sleeved shirt, while the corrections officer tried to shield him. The fight ended when the officer deployed his Taser.
Lucero and Ysasi were taken into custody and charged with battery on a peace officer and assault on a jail. Both men were later released from the Metropolitan Detention Center—Lucero on Saturday and Ysasi on Sunday. It remains unclear whether they have legal representation.
During his arrest, Lucero reportedly told a deputy, “He killed my niece like a coward. It was worth every moment.”
Background of the Case
Ortiz, 21, was arrested in February 2024 in connection with the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan, on January 11, 2024. According to police, Farfan and Ortiz had a history of an abusive relationship, and Ortiz was reportedly upset with Farfan on the day of the shooting.
Farfan had allowed several friends to stay at her apartment because she feared being alone. On the night of the shooting, friends heard a single gunshot from her bedroom. When they forced the door open, they found Farfan with a gunshot wound to the face while Ortiz had escaped through a window.
Ortiz’s Legal Situation
Ortiz was charged with first-degree murder and pleaded not guilty in March 2024. He has remained in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest. His next hearing is scheduled for Friday morning.
An attorney for Ortiz did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The courtroom attack underscores the emotional toll of Farfan’s death on her family. While the assault reflects their grief and anger, it also highlights the challenges of maintaining order and safety in judicial proceedings.
