Peña shooting trial postponed after lawyer drops out

The federal case against Solomon Peña, 41 of Albuquerque, was postponed after his attorney left the case. Peña’s attorney, Elizabeth Honce, left the case citing an “irreconcilable conflict, and she cannot continue to represent (the) defendant,” court records state. The Court appointed Criminal Justice Act Panel attorney Nicholas Hart to represent Peña. CJA attorneys are […]

Peña shooting trial postponed after lawyer drops out

The federal case against Solomon Peña, 41 of Albuquerque, was postponed after his attorney left the case.

Peña’s attorney, Elizabeth Honce, left the case citing an “irreconcilable conflict, and she cannot continue to represent (the) defendant,” court records state.

The Court appointed Criminal Justice Act Panel attorney Nicholas Hart to represent Peña.

CJA attorneys are the federal equivalent of public defenders.

No new dates have been set for the new trial date.

Related: Suspect in political shootings goes to trial

The clerk’s minutes state that the court is “very displeased” since it brought in a larger than usual jury panel which adds “unnecessary expense and inconvenience to the system and delays justice in this matter on the Court docket.”

The court released the members of the jury.

Peña, a failed Republican candidate for state House, was the alleged mastermind in a series of shootings that took place between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, 2023 at the homes of Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, then-Bernalillo County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley, state Sen. Linda Lopez and state Rep. Javier Martinez. 

He allegedly hired four hitmen including Demetrio and Jose Trujillo who have since pleaded guilty and await sentencing. They both could face up to life imprisonment. The other two people Peña allegedly hired have not been named.

No new hearings or trial dates have been set for Peña.

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