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Juvenile competency and consequences in New Mexico

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Juvenile competency and consequences in New Mexico


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In January, police arrested a group of teenagers in a deadly attempted robbery at a northeast Albuquerque apartment complex.

Police said they tried to rob a couple. They allegedly shot the woman, then her husband shot back and killed 14-year-old Alonzo Sanderson.

Some of the teenage suspects in the case aren’t even old enough to drive, including 14-year-old Elijah Gutierrez. Court documents show he has a history of violent allegations, but not a lot of consequences.

Court records show Gutierrez has faced serious charges in four other cases since 2022, when he was just 12-years-old. They include allegations of shooting at an apartment, having a stolen car, selling drugs and battery. But through the years of his alleged crimes, his consequences have ultimately been probation and going home to mom.

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It’s because of a Dismiss Based on Competency order filed many times in Gutierrez’s life.

“The fundamental test is the ability to assist in one’s defense that may have to do with understanding reality, the other is the ability to understand right from wrong,” UNM Law Professor Joshua Kastenberg said.

Kastenberg said a judge is more likely to deem a juvenile incompetent because of brain development. While it may be the right ruling, some argue it’s not always the safest.

“What’s not fair to the public is there’s not a place to put someone who is considered dangerous yet not competent to assist in their own defense or competent to go to trial,” he said.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman agrees. He’s been rallying lawmakers to change our Children’s Code for months.

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“If we have someone who continues to commit crimes and the cases are dismissed because of their competency issues, and they’re let back on the street and committing more crimes. At some point we have to say enough is enough and if necessary they need to be forced into some treatment to get them better,” Bregman said.

But Kastenberg said that standard is even more difficult with juvenile suspects. There may not be a way to change their competency cycle until it’s too late.

“The best scenario for public safety that can come out of this is also the worst scenario. That is as adults they get caught attempting to commit or commit another crime, and now they’re deemed competent,” he said.



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New Mexico

[WatchLive]TV!!!] New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 Streams ON Tv Channel

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[WatchLive]TV!!!] New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 Streams ON Tv Channel


New Mexico United-Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

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New Mexico

~!@[WATCHLIVE!TV]>> NOW New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Match 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 Free Streams ON Tv Channel

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~!@[WATCHLIVE!TV]>> NOW New Mexico United vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Match 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 Free Streams ON Tv Channel


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New Mexico Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 Day results for March 27, 2026

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The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 27, 2026, results for each game:

Mega Millions

13-27-28-41-62, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 3

Day: 8-1-8

Evening: 8-7-2

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Evening: 0-8-5-6

Day: 2-0-6-0

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Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

09-15-26-30-34

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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