Chaos erupts in New Mexico courtroom; family attacks murder suspect

• A routine court hearing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, turned violent when three people attacked murder defendant Alexander Ortiz, sparking a chaotic brawl. Ortiz was accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in January 2024.
• Authorities identified the attackers as Carlos Lucero, Pete Ysasi and Jamie Lucero, who face charges of assault and battery on a peace officer.
• Order was restored after an officer drew a stun gun, forcing the attackers to back down.

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A routine court hearing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Jan. 31 turned violent when three people attacked a murder defendant, setting off a chaotic brawl that was captured on courtroom surveillance footage.

The altercation took place during a hearing for Alexander Ortiz, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in January 2024.

How did the attack unfold?

Video footage shows a man jumping over the courtroom partition and charging Ortiz, knocking him to the ground and throwing punches. A second man quickly joined in while a corrections officer attempted to shield the defendant.

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A woman then escalated the attack by grabbing a chair and striking both Ortiz and a court officer.

The fight ended after an officer drew a stun gun, forcing the attackers to back down.

Who was involved?

Authorities identified the first attacker as Carlos Lucero, who reportedly told deputies, “[Ortiz] killed my niece like a coward,” and that the attack was “worth every moment.”

The second man was identified as Pete Ysasi. Both men face charges of assault and battery on a peace officer.

The woman, 34-year-old Jamie Lucero, was also charged with battery on a peace officer and assault.

Are courtroom attacks common?

Katina Watson, executive officer for New Mexico’s Second Judicial District Court, said these types of incidents are not unusual in courtrooms. However, the violent nature of the attack has reignited concerns about security measures in high-profile criminal cases.

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What happens next?

Ortiz remains in custody on murder charges, while Carlos Lucero, Ysasi and Jamie Lucero await court proceedings on their new charges.