No new developments in assault
It’s been more than two weeks since attorney and former 7th Judicial District Judge Tom Fitch was found brutally beaten in his office on California Street and law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the crime.
After the initial response to the scene of the crime by the city of Socorro Police Department on Friday, Aug. 5, State Police became the lead agency on the case.
According to NMSP Public Information Officer Sgt. Tim Johnson, there have been no new developments in the case. Johnson also said law enforcement officials have not yet interviewed Fitch.
“At this point, we are waiting on evidence,” Johnson said in a phone interview Monday.
The evidence Johnson is referring to is “standard evidence” taken at crime scenes such as blood evidence and finger prints.
“Troy Wiefler is the supervisor on this case and it will be handled well,” Johnson said.
Johnson also confirmed that the FBI is not working the case.
First on Scene
Socorro police officers responded to a call at about 7:25 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5, and upon arrival found Fitch slumped over a desk, badly beaten. Socorro Police Chief George Van Winkle said Fitch’s wife, Polly Tausch, is the one who found her husband.
Fitch was first transported to Socorro General Hospital before being transferred to an Albuquerque hospital where he underwent surgery.
Although police do not know exactly when the assault took place, it is believed to have happened earlier that day, possibly as much as a few hours wrote NMSP Public Information Officer Maj. Daniel Lovato in an email at the beginning of the investigation.
Lovato said at the time that Fitch was hospitalized with unknown injuries and there has been no update as to how he is doing now.
The Socorro Police Department is working closely with the State Police in the investigation and Van Winkle said if anyone saw anything or may have information regarding the assault, to please contact Detective Richard Lopez at the Socorro Police Department at 575-835-1883.
Contact Jackie Schlotfeldt