Ex-New Mexico GOP House candidate convicted in plot to shoot officials, murder witnesses

by
March 24, 2025
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal jury convicted a former New Mexico House of Representatives candidate on Sunday for orchestrating a shooting spree targeting four elected officials and attempting to have witnesses killed to obstruct his trial, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Key Points

  • Former candidate Solomon Peña convicted for organizing shootings at officials’ homes after election loss.
  • Peña also found guilty of soliciting the murder of witnesses while in custody.
  • Co-conspirators Demetrio and Jose Trujillo pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

Solomon Peña, 40, who unsuccessfully ran for the District 14 seat during the November 2022 midterm elections, was found guilty of organizing and participating in shootings at the homes of two Bernalillo County commissioners and two New Mexico state legislators between Dec. 4, 2022, and Jan. 3, 2023.

One of the shootings involved a machine gun, and all were carried out with assistance from co-conspirators Demetrio Trujillo, 41, and Jose Trujillo, 24, according to court documents.

After his arrest, Peña allegedly solicited several fellow inmates to help coordinate the murders of multiple witnesses in an effort to prevent them from testifying at his trial.

Jose Trujillo pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2024, to conspiracy, firearms offenses, and fentanyl distribution. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 14. Demetrio Trujillo pleaded guilty on Feb. 1, 2024, to conspiracy and multiple firearms charges. His sentencing is set for May 21.

Peña was convicted of one count of conspiracy; four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities; four counts of using or carrying a firearm in connection with a crime of violence — including one involving a machine gun; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and three counts of solicitation to commit a violent crime.

He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 years and up to life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

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