Acosta seeks insanity defense in Rio Grande Gorge killing
New Mexico death penalty attorney Gary Mitchell filed a not guilty by reason of insanity notice for Luis Acosta, 21, in the 1998 Rio Grande Gorge Bridge slaying of Erik Sanchez, 18. Co-defendant David Sandoval, 25, has begun a life sentence after pleading guilty. Acosta’s brain injury from a prior auto crash is cited as affecting intent. Trial likely January or February. venue moved for safety.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New Mexico
Rio Grande Gorge
Erik Sanchez
Espajiola
Gary Mitchell
Luis Acos
David Sandoval
Acosta
Sandoval
Sanchez
Sheriff's Department
Mitchell
Peggy Nelson
Carmen Garza
Nelson
Taos IGC pushes jail tax plan and new justice center
Taos County Intergovernmental Council approves resolutions to seek a detention tax for a new jail and to reauthorize a one half of one percent gross receipts tax for schools. Legislation and voter referendums would be needed, with governor approval and local ballots. Morrison estimates the justice center cost at 8 to 10 million dollars.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Taos County
Holy Cross Hospital
IGC
Robert Dale Morrison
Morrison
Trouble follows Officer Oskins in Pueblo beating claim
The Pueblo incident alleges former Taos Pueblo officer Chris Oskins beat Shawn Velasquez after escorting him off the reservation in January 1998. Velasquez shows photos of facial injuries including a busted lip and bloody ear, described in a letter two days later.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Taos Pueblo
Chris Oskins
Shawn Velasquez
The
Pueblo
Velasquez
Oskins
Ed Place
Taos Reinstates Minor Curfew Amid Debate and Caution
Taos Town Council on Tuesday reinstated a nighttime minor curfew after a debate driven by safety concerns and soul-searching. The ordinance, approved unanimously by Erlinda Gonzales Meliton Struck and Bobby Duran, shifts enforcement to parents with penalties up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine for noncompliant guardians. Frank was absent and the public had little turnout, with officials aiming to publicize the plan to students.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Taos
Erlinda Gonzales
Meliton
Bobby Duran
Frank
Duran
Tomas Benavidez
Sarah Backus
Gonzales
Also Mentioned on This Page
Luis Acosta
San Miguel County
William Maxwell
Taos News
Council
Officer Oskins
Our Lady of Sorrows
Arroyo Hondo
Megan Wowers
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