US EditionJudge halts death penalty case in New Mexico due to federal shutdown
The shutdown has left nearly 40% of federal defense attorneys unpaid since July, forcing a halt to a costly death penalty case to ensure the defendant's right to counsel.
- Earlier this month, Albuquerque-based U.S. District Court Judge David Herrera Urias halted a federal death penalty case in New Mexico because the U.S. government shutdown created a funding shortfall for specialized public defenders.
- The October start of the federal budget year brought a shutdown, preventing the resumption of Criminal Justice Act payments that ran out in July.
- Payments for investigators, interpreters, transcriptionists and experts were withheld, and court websites warn payment vouchers won't be reviewed while court-appointed defense work remains on non-pay status.
- Court-Appointed defense attorneys represent about 40% of federal defendants, but with only 20 indigent-defense attorneys accepting cases, many are turning away, increasing delays for indigent defendants.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Federal death penalty case in New Mexico on hold because of government shutdown
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A federal death penalty case for a New Mexico defendant is on hold because of the U.S. government shutdown. A U.S. district court in Albuquerque temporarily halted the case against Labar Tsethlikai, who is accused of kidnapping, sexually abusing, and killing Native American homeless men between 2022 and 2024. Man with Tularosa ties arrested on child sex charges In halting the case, the judge cited the shutdown and a lac…
Associated Press News
Judge halts death penalty case in New Mexico due to federal shutdown
A judge in New Mexico halted legal proceedings in a federal death penalty case because the U.S. government shutdown is impeding the defendant’s right to legal representation.
Mountain State feeling shutdown impact as federal funding lapses
BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – As the government shutdown enters its 24th day, with no end in sight, local charities and those they serve are hurting. Some organizations rely on federal grants and other assistance to stay afloat. “The uncertainty, I think is the most difficult part,” said United Way of Southern West Virginia Executive Director Trena Decal. “We know with SNAP benefits, if folks aren’t going to receive those in November, our local food pant…
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