Former New Mexico Political Candidate Convicted in Drive-By Shootings Case
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A jury has found Solomon Peña, a former Republican candidate for the New Mexico state Legislature, guilty on multiple federal charges related to a series of drive-by shootings targeting the homes of state and local lawmakers amid heightened tensions following the 2020 election.
Peña, who had pleaded not guilty to 13 counts—including conspiracy and weapons-related offenses—was convicted for his role in the December 2022 and January 2023 shootings that struck the residences of four Democratic officials, including the state House speaker. Prosecutors argued that Peña resorted to violence over his belief that the election was "rigged," particularly following his significant defeat by nearly 50 percentage points.
During the trial, which featured over a week of testimony from elected officials, investigators, and Peña’s co-conspirators, the jury heard that the attacks came as threats against public officials surged nationwide. Fortunately, despite the violent nature of these incidents, no one was injured; however, bullets from one shooting penetrated the bedroom of a state senator’s 10-year-old daughter.
Peña’s defense team maintained that he was not involved in the shootings and criticized the reliance on testimonies from two individuals who had accepted plea deals in exchange for reduced sentences. Following the conviction, Peña faces a potential life sentence. His attorney, Nicholas Hart, decried the verdict as a "travesty," asserting that Peña was targeted for his political beliefs regarding the 2020 election.
Peña, arrested in January 2023, has been held in custody since then, and his legal team has vowed to appeal the decision. A sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled, leaving the case unsettled as it moves forward.
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