UPDATE — Santa Fe Carjacking Murder Case:
A New Mexico man charged with capital murder for allegedly shooting and killing an elderly man during a carjacking in Santa Fe is asking the court to pause his death penalty case, citing delays caused by the federal government shutdown.
According to court filings, the defense argues that the shutdown has disrupted their ability to access key federal resources and coordinate with expert witnesses necessary for preparing a fair trial. The motion seeks a temporary halt until normal government operations resume.
The suspect, whose name has not been released pending additional hearings, faces the possibility of a death sentence if convicted in the brutal attack, which authorities say unfolded in a residential area earlier this year. The victim, described as a respected longtime Santa Fe resident, was found fatally wounded near his stolen vehicle.
Federal prosecutors have not commented on whether they plan to oppose the motion but have confirmed that the case remains active. The court is expected to review the request in the coming days.
Officials say the case underscores the far-reaching effects of the government shutdown—even on the justice system’s most serious prosecutions.
