Ribera teen will be tried in classmate’s death elsewhere

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A judge has agreed to a change of venue for the trial of a Ribera teen accused of shooting a classmate to death at a New Year’s Eve party.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Judge Michael Aragon, who presided over a hearing on the matter Wednesday, sided with defense attorneys for the 17-year-old suspect.

He will be tried in Guadalupe County instead of San Miguel County for second-degree murder.

Authorities say the teen shot and killed 17-year-old Joshua Vigil after a fight broke out at the party on Dec. 31, 2021. Both boys attended West Las Vegas High School and were on the football team.

Defense attorney Alan Maestas argued it would be difficult to find impartial jurors since the case had drawn a great deal of publicity. He pointed to a “Justice for Joshua” Facebook page and a billboard on Interstate 25.

Prosecutors countered a change of venue was pointless in the face of social media.