Two men face multiple felony charges, including kidnapping and aggravated assault, after investigators say a dispute over a property transaction escalated into a violent confrontation involving a handgun.
Court records identify the defendants as Pablo Martinez and Pablo Montoya Martinez, both charged in connection with an April 28 incident in Doña Ana County.
Prosecutors charged both men with kidnapping, aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and multiple counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, along with related conspiracy counts.
A statement of probable cause says the confrontation began as a dispute over a property sale in Anthony. The victim told investigators he received $10,000 the day before and expected an additional $5,000 payment when the suspects arrived.
Investigators say the suspects grabbed the victim as he approached the vehicle, pulled him inside and struck him multiple times with a handgun. They then forced him at gunpoint into his garage, where the confrontation continued.
Investigators say one of the suspects kicked in a door and demanded money, confronting a second person inside the home.
According to the affidavit, the victim’s girlfriend produced deposit slips showing the money had been legitimately transferred. The suspects then apologized and described the incident as a misunderstanding.
The victim told investigators the suspects struck him multiple times in the head with a handgun, threatened him and, at one point, pointed the weapon at his forehead. He said he feared for his life during the encounter.
Investigators reported observing injuries consistent with the victim’s account and said video footage corroborated portions of the incident.
Pretrial records show both men face the same underlying charges, but court assessments reached different conclusions about their risk levels.
A public safety assessment flagged Martinez for new violent criminal activity and recommended conditions of release, while Montoya Martinez was not flagged for new violent activity and was recommended for release on recognizance.
Both cases were filed April 29 in Doña Ana County Magistrate Court. Both defendants are scheduled for first appearances on Wednesday.
Story from our ne friends at Organ Mountain News.
