Oct. 31 —

Status updates on high-profile criminal cases, according to the 9th Judicial District Attorney's Office:

• Lucio Ramirez, was charged with aggravated battery for hitting Marvin Silva, 34, of Belen with a hammer during the fight in which Marco Bonilla of Portales was stabbed to death in November 2009: The case was dismissed because the victim failed to appear for trial.

• Leroy Salaz, was indicted on charges of voluntary manslaughter in Bonilla's death: A jury trial is set for Jan. 10-12.

• Mern Shepherd, was charged with abandonment or abuse of his 10-year-old daughter in September 2009: He pled guilty in April and was sentenced to three years of supervised probation. The court also ordered Shepherd to complete parenting classes, have contact with the girl only with Children, Youth and Families Department approval and pay restitution for the girl's counseling.

• Athena Shepherd, was charged with abusing her 10-year-old stepdaughter in September 2009: The case is still pending. The district attorney's office is waiting for dates to be set for hearing.