A routine court hearing in Albuquerque turned chaotic on Friday when a family member of a murder victim sparked a violent altercation. Alexander Ortiz, who is accused of murdering Alianna Farfan, appeared before a judge in Room 420 of the 2nd District Court. The hearing quickly escalated into mayhem when Carlos Lucero, the victim’s uncle, jumped over the courtroom barrier and began physically attacking Ortiz. Police say Ortiz and a nearby officer fell to the ground during the altercation.
As the scene unraveled, Pete Ysasi, another man present in the courtroom, joined the attack on Ortiz. Ortiz’s father also became involved in the melee, attempting to defend his son. The elder Ortiz punched both Lucero and Ysasi during the scuffle. The brawl continued for about a minute, with more individuals joining in.
Order was eventually restored when deputies intervened and handcuffed Lucero, Ysasi, and Ortiz’s father. Ortiz was escorted out of the courtroom following the incident. Lucero and Ysasi were both charged with multiple felonies, including battery upon a peace officer and assault on a jail. In court documents, Lucero explained his actions, stating, “He killed my niece like a coward” and that it “was worth every moment.”
Meanwhile, Ortiz’s father told officers he was attempting to break up the fight. Both Lucero and Ysasi were released from jail on their own recognizance after the altercation. The hearing for Ortiz, which had been scheduled for Friday, was rescheduled, and additional security measures were put in place for the rescheduled plea hearing. The violent outburst marked an unexpected turn in what had been a routine court proceeding.