Wednesday, August 18,2010Interviews
With Darya Peterson
Corey Pein
Darya Peterson, 25, teaches people how to stick up for themselves—unless they’re already too good at sticking up for themselves, in which case she teaches them how to cool it. Peterson is a program coordinator and instructor at IMPACT Personal Safety.
Wednesday, July 14,2010Local News
Richardson pal’s company embezzled from tribe.
Corey Pein
A top New Mexico lobbyist who is old friends with Gov. Bill Richardson has been accused of benefiting from money stolen from a tribal-owned business. The allegations, which have not been previously reported, are laid out
in criminal and civil court records, as well as federal documents.
Wednesday, July 14,2010Opinion
Time Gavel
Zane Fischer
“It’s the end of the world as we know it,” REM’s Michael Stipe sings in the eponymous song, “and I feel fine.”
It’s an old song, but it’s also a kind of philosophy problem.
Wednesday, June 16,2010Movie Reviews
There’s no secret to this everyday crime drama
Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Dar'n) is at the end of his professional career as a court investigator, but remains haunted by one case. In 1974, he was assigned to investigate the vicious rape and murder of a lovely young woman, Liliana Coloto. It is a crime that has stuck with him for 25 years.
Wednesday, May 5,2010Local News
In Brief
Corey Pein
Regular online readers already know SFR covered all six days of the murder trial of Marino K Leyba Jr. and first reported the jury’s verdict, on April 30, that “Reno” was guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary and tampering with evidence.
04.30.2010
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Guilty verdict delivered
by Corey Pein
After lunching on pizza provided by the court, jurors in the murder trial of Marino Leyba, Jr, returned today with their verdict:* Guilty of the first-degree murder of Sarah Lovato* Guilty of the first-degree murer of Bennie Ray Lovato, Sr* Guilty of aggravated burglary* Guilty of tampering with evidenceLeyba's sentencing, set for some time after July 4, will be little more than a formality: The murder convictions automatically result in two life terms of imprisonment. However, because this is a capital case, the verdict is automatically appealed to the New Mexico Supreme Court, according to defense attorney Gary Mitchell.The jurors' verdict, Mitchell tells SFR, is "classic New Mexico...We haven't caught up with the science [of mental health]."Linda Lovato, Sarah's mother and Bennie's ex-wife, told reporters that she felt justice was served."I'm glad it's over, and I think the family has closure now," Santa Fe Police Detective Tony Trujillo, who investigated the murders, told SFR.For background on the case, read this SFR cover story, and this follow-up. For previous days’ trial coverage, click here.
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04.28.2010
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Closing arguments
by Corey Pein
The prosecution and defense made their closing arguments today, and the jury began its deliberations. Jurors told District Judge Michael Vigil that they'd convene until 5:30 pm tonight, then reconvene Friday morning, April 30. Jury instructions handed down today made it clear that the defense hoped for a conviction of voluntary manslaughter--rather than first- or second-degree murder--based on Reno Leyba's diminished mental capacity. (The consequences are explained in today's SFR.)
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Wednesday, April 28,2010Local News
Accused killer denies abuse, claims self-defense
Corey Pein
To the Santa Fe jury that will decide the fate of her killer, the life of Sarah Lovato is less vivid than the circumstances of her death.
They have heard that she was 15, or maybe 14, and weighed just 80 pounds when a mutual friend introduced her to Marino K Leyba Jr., a Santa Fe High School dropout working part-time for his father’s security company.
04.27.2010
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Defense continues
by Corey Pein
"Reno" Leyba's cross-examination by Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Hill continued this morning. See a video excerpt of his testimony below. Reno also testified that he was unsure whether the child in Sarah Lovato's womb was his own. Today's schedule will be filled with testimony from forensic psychologist Eric Westfried, who will speak to Reno's impaired mental ability. This morning, Westfried mentioned that Reno had "minimized" memories of childhood abuse.For background on the case, read this SFR cover story, and this follow-up. For previous days’ trial coverage, click here.
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04.26.2010
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Reno testifies
by Corey Pein
Marino Leyba, Jr, took the stand today and, in his own words, said he feared for his life when he shot and killed his girlfriend and her father last year.
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