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A Las Cruces man faces an open count of murder after police say he stabbed another man near 17th Street and West Picacho Avenue on Feb. 4.
James Micheal “Junior” Melendrez, 31, faces the charge following the death of Lawerance Patrick Rubio. Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to keep Melendrez in jail as the case against him progresses.
According to a statement of facts, a witness said Melendrez and Rubio were on their way to buy drugs when they got into an argument that turned physical. Security video from a nearby business showed Melendrez striking Rubio in the chest area before running away.
For now, Melendrez remains in jail. According to a pretrial detention request, prosecutors believe that Melendrez' history of violating probation agreements, as well as his past criminal convictions, are enough to keep him in jail.
Prosecutors must prove to a 3rd Judicial District judge that Melendrez is dangerous and that no conditions of release can protect the community. A hearing to determine this had not been scheduled by press time.
