Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Editor's note: This is one in a continuing series of interviews with local officials. Quentin Ray is district attorney for Curry and Roosevelt counties.
Q: Two high-profile crimes have been committed in Clovis over the past year and outside prosecutors have become involved in both. Tell us what you know about the status of the prosecution of the Walmart fire suspect and the man accused of killing two women, shooting a child and kidnapping a baby at Ned Houk Park.
A: Both cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office in federal court.
The defendants have been charged, arraigned, and are awaiting trial.
In discussing both cases with federal authorities, it was agreed that the federal court system was the better avenue to prosecute based on its sentencing guidelines and competency rules.
Our office retains the ability to bring forth charges in the state court if we do not feel the federal system achieves justice for the victims.
Q: Is your office and/or local law enforcement still involved in either case at any level?
A: Local law enforcement are key witnesses in the prosecution of both cases.
They have been cooperating with the U.S. Attorney's Office in providing their reports, body cameras, and additional investigative tasks as they arise.
Q: The governor called a special session of the Legislature in July in hopes of addressing crime issues, but lawmakers didn't care for her suggestions and nothing happened. What do you feel is the No. 1 issue lawmakers need to address when the Legislature next convenes in an effort to curb crime?
A: Quick answer: tougher sentences across the board especially on violent crime.
Santa Fe's biggest issue is they pretend crime isn't a problem. For years, the Legislature has watered down criminal laws.
So, for example, the statutes provide the ability to enhance someone's felony sentence if they have prior felony convictions.
This is a good thing. One prior = one year enhancement. Two priors = four years. Three priors = eight years.
Three is as high as it goes.
The Legislature chose to include a 10-year time limit on past felony convictions.
So it is not uncommon to see people with 5-10 prior felony convictions in their lifetime, but only facing a one-year enhancement because of the 10-year time limitation.
There are countless other examples: how probation operates, the lack of lockdown rehabs, a lack of resources to address competency issues, the lack of teeth in the juvenile justice system, etc. ...
There are no magic solutions that will cure everything, but I wish the Legislature would focus on holding criminals accountable.
Q: Portales had two shooting deaths in July and Clovis had the slayings in the park on May 3. But those are the only gun crimes resulting in death this year in Curry/Roosevelt counties. The region saw a dozen such homicides in 2023. Are you seeing a trend in terms of overall violent crime in the Ninth Judicial District? Less? More? About the same?
A: It really is hard to say. The number of homicides is down for the year, but it seems to come in waves. So just when you think it's trending downward it will spiral back up.
One of the most troubling trends is juveniles with firearms. There have been numerous instances in the last couple years ranging from being just reckless to extremely violent.
Q: Law enforcement agencies across the country have reported staffing shortages in recent years, including those locally. Are you finding cases more difficult to prosecute as a result of fewer or less experienced law officers?
A: In a perfect world, we'd love for every agency to be fully staffed. Less law enforcement officers means less time can be spent on each case because they are spread too thin.
Law enforcement is trying their best to overcome this by prioritizing cases and recruiting new officers.
Prosecution is facing similar challenges with shortages across the state.
In this digital age, body cameras, security video, and phone data are great, but it can be difficult to analyze all this data when you are short-handed.
We will continue to work together to use our available resources as wisely as we can to serve the community.
Q: How many homicide cases are on your district's calendar right now? How many do you feel will have a conclusion – plea or jury verdict – by year's end?
A: We have 14 homicide/manslaughter cases pending. This is our current lineup for homicide trials in 2024:
• Lloyd Edwards in August
• Juvenile "C.P." in August
• Danny Price in August
• T. Jimmy Whitlock in August
• Demetrious Ricks in October
• Patrick Quinones in November
• Alexandra Romero in November
Q: And one for fun: Who is your all-time favorite fictional crime fighter? And why?
A: I initially thought of superheroes like Batman and Captain America. Then I started thinking of people like Sherlock Holmes, Jack Reacher, and Hercule Poirot from Agatha Christie novels.
Their attention to detail is a very accurate depiction of a successful investigation.
Ultimately, I think it's a tie between Columbo ("I hate to bother you, just one more thing...") and the crazy antics of Inspector Clouseau from the Pink Panther movies! When I think of those two, I can't help but smile.
- Compiled by David Stevens, The Staff of The News