Judge orders former GOP candidate Solomon Peña held until trial
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A former Republican candidate will stay behind bars until a trial addressing his alleged connection to a shooting plot targeting multiple Democratic elected officials in Albuquerque.
Judge David Murphy ordered Solomon Peña to remain behind bars Monday, one week after his arrest. According to police, Peña targeted multiple elected officials over the last two months after claiming the 2022 election was rigged when he lost by thousands of votes.
The Arnold tool suggested Peña could be released on his own recognizance but Judge Murphy said the tool is “merely a tool.” The judge elaborated, saying the state provided “clear and convincing” evidence that no conditions of release could allow Peña to be safely released.
Peña faces charges for shooting at an occupied dwelling, shooting from a motor vehicle, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and criminal solicitation. A trial date hasn’t been set yet.
TIMELINE
- Dec. 4, 2022 – Several shots were fired at 4:41 p.m. at the home of Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa.
- Dec. 8, 2022 – Shots were fired at 6:52 a.m. at the home of House Speaker Javier Martinez.
- Dec. 11, 2022 – More than a dozen shots were fired at the home of then-Bernalillo Commissioner Debbie O’Malley.
- Jan. 3, 2023 – More than a dozen shots were fired shortly after midnight at the home of State Sen. Linda Lopez.
MORE:
- APD: Former Republican candidate arrested in shootings of elected leaders’ homes
- Documents reveal what led to arrest of former Republican candidate Solomon Peña
- Former GOP candidate Solomon Peña denied pretrial release
- APD investigating source of campaign contributions to Solomon Peña
- New Mexico to reevaluate risk assessment tool for pretrial release
- Legal expert explains potential implications of Solomon Peña case