Trial starts for man accused in fatal night club shooting. Here's what you need to know about the case
LAS CRUCES – Five days of trial began Monday for a man accused of killing a man at Las Cruces nightclub in 2019.
Adam Alexander Torres, 27, stands charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and tampering with evidence. Police believe Torres killed Rogelio Alexander Baeza on June 28, 2019, outside the now-closed Halo's Ultra Lounge.
The trial comes 44 months after police believe a feud between Torres and Baeza ended in gunfire. The court had scheduled a trial for December 2022. However, Torres' attorney requested the trial be delayed after he contracted COVID-19, court records show.
A 3rd Judicial District Attorney's Office spokesperson confirmed that the trial began Monday morning with jury selection.
What police say happened
According to an affidavit filed in 2019, police believe Torres and Baeza quarreled after Baeza beat Torres' friend. Police attached text messages to the affidavit showing the animosity between the two men.
"Wait till I see you homie or anyone I know I got a number on your head since you wanna talk loud," read one message that Torres allegedly sent to Baeza. The phrase "I got a number on your head" implies Torres placed a bounty or hit on Baeza, according to investigators.
In late June 2019, the feud spiraled into violence.
According to the affidavit, Torres and Baeza were at Halo's when Baeza and a friend left the club to smoke marijuana outside. Police said Torres followed them, as seen in the club's surveillance footage.
Police said the footage shows Torres pulling out a gun and firing at both men. Baeza was struck in the head and died while the other man was able to flee, police said. Torres was arrested and charged a few days later.
At a hearing in 2022, Torres' attorney told a judge he planned to argue that Torres acted in self-defense the night of the killing. However, it's unclear if that is still the strategy.
The last year out of jail
Torres sat in the Doña Ana County Detention Center for much of the last four years.
In February 2022, Torres' attorney, Jeffrey Lahann, requested Torres be released. Lahann argued that Torres' circumstances had changed since a judge ordered that he was dangerous and that no release conditions could protect the public. Lahann said that Torres would stay with his family in California.
Ultimately, a judge allowed Torres to leave jail and stay with his family. The judge also set a $50,000 bond Torres had to pay before leaving jail. There's no indication in public court records that Torres violated his release conditions.
Who's will testify?
According to witness lists, prosecutors plan to call several police officers and investigators. In addition, Halo's former manager and a friend of Baeza's will also testify. In all, prosecutors plan to call 15 people to testify against Torres.
By contrast, Torres' attorney plans to call just one person to the stand. According to the defendant's witness list, Salvador Velasquez will testify about the fight that precipitated the shooting.
Judge Conrad Perea will oversee the trial. Court records show the trial is scheduled to last from March 20 to March 25.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via phone or text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc.
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