Press release: Clovis Man Sentenced to Maximum Time in Prison for Attempted Murder

Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler announced today that James Gilbert, age 32, was sentenced to serve nine (9) years in prison for one (1) count of Attempted Murder, which is the maximum time for attempted murder in New Mexico.

The charges stem from October 3, 2010 when Curry County Sheriff's Office responded to an emergency call concerning a stabbing. The investigation uncovered that James Gilbert unlawfully entered the home of the victim at approximately 3:15 a.m. and repeatedly stabbed her with a knife while she slept in her bed. The six-inch blade eventually lodged into the victim's leg bone and Gilbert fled the area. Medical personnel stated that the victim sustained over fifteen stab wounds during the attack. An arrest warrant was immediately issued for Gilbert, who was eventually located in his vehicle on Curry County Road A. I would say it's not, and hope our legislators take a serious look at the penalties in New Mexico to see if the penalties really do fit the crime."

District Judge Stephen Quinn presided over the proceedings and Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrea Reeb prosecuted the case for the State. The State was able to prove this crime was a serious violent offense, meaning that Gilbert must serve at least 85% of his 9-year sentence before he is eligible to be paroled. Once Gilbert completes his prison term, he must serve an additional five (5) years of intensively supervised probation.

For additional information, please contact the Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office.