Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Stabbing sends two to hospital

Two suspects are in custody

Gerald Garner Jr. El Defensor Chieftain Editor

Two Socorro men are in serious condition and two others are in serious trouble following a July 3 stabbing on Mariposa Road.

Tony Silva, 46, and his son, Julian, 21, both of Socorro, suffered stab wounds during an altercation at a residence on Mariposa in the early morning hours of Friday, July 3. Socorro Police Detective Richard Lopez said the father and son were involved in a heated argument with Samuel Saenz, 20, also of Socorro. Lopez said the stabbings are gang-related.

"When police arrived on scene Tony Silva and his son, Julian, were found in pools of blood and they were in grave condition," Lopez said. "Julian was able to identify his assailant as Samuel Saenz. That information was corroborated by several witnesses who were identified."

Both Tony and Julian Silva were transferred from Socorro General Hospital to the University of New Mexico Hospital's trauma center for treatment of the stab wounds, the detective said.

Lopez said detectives were called to the scene after witness statements had been gathered. That's when Lopez said he encountered a suspicious vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed through town.

"I was en route to the scene when I saw a car tearing through town. I pulled the vehicle over and found Saenz sitting in the back seat," he said.

Saenz was arrested and transported to the detention center.

Three other occupants of the vehicle — Stephanie Acosta and a juvenile male, both of Roswell, and Jonathan Garcia, of Socorro — were also taken into custody. Lopez said Acosta and Jonathan Garcia were later released while the juvenile was cited as a minor allowing himself to be served alcohol.

Lopez said the investigation — which blocked the Mariposa cul-de-sac for an estimated 18 hours — eventually yielded a second stabbing suspect, Ronnie Garcia, 20, also of Socorro. Lopez said Ronnie Garcia and Saenz are cousins.

Lopez said prosecutors could amend the criminal complaints to include additional charges against Saenz and Ronnie Garcia as the investigation continues.

The detective also thanked area residents for their patience during the lengthy crime scene investigation and apologized for any inconveniences those residents experienced.

Saenz is currently charged with two counts of aggravated assault with intent to commit a violent felony (third-degree felonies) and two counts of aggravated battery (third-degree felonies). If convicted of all counts, Saenz could be sentenced up to 12 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.

Ronnie Garcia currently faces two charges of accessory to commit aggravated assault with intent to commit a violent felony (third-degree felonies), one count of aggravated battery (third-degree felony) and a conspiracy charge (fourth-degree felony).

If convicted of all charges, Garcia could face more than 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

Preliminary hearings for both suspects are set for Wednesday, July 15, 9 a.m., in Magistrate Court.

ggarner@dchieftain.com

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