Former Las Cruces officer requests new trial following conviction

A former Las Cruces police officer, Brad Lunsford, convicted of voluntary manslaughter, is seeking a new trial. He was found guilty last month for killing Presley Eze during a confrontation at a gas station in 2022. Lunsford's defense claims he was denied due process when two jurors were replaced after closing arguments. They also argue that a juror did not disclose biases related to policing and that certain evidence was improperly excluded. A hearing on Lunsford's motions is scheduled for March 21. The New Mexico Department of Justice stated that the jury's verdict should be upheld, emphasizing that all jurors present evaluated the evidence.