Former GOP Candidate Convicted in Shootings Targeting Democratic Leaders
A Republican candidate who was unsuccessful in his bid for a New Mexico House of Representatives seat has been found guilty of orchestrating shootings at the residences of local Democratic leaders. The conviction follows his election defeat, according to his legal representative.
Felony Charges and Guilty Verdict
Solomon Peña, 41, faced multiple felony charges, including three counts of solicitation to commit violent crime, three counts of using and carrying a firearm during a violent crime and discharging the firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, and conspiracy. These charges were outlined in a federal superseding indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A jury delivered a guilty verdict on all counts Wednesday evening, as confirmed by Peña’s lead attorney, Nicholas T. Hart.
Potential Life Sentence
Peña is facing a potential life sentence. A date for sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
Organized Shooting Spree
Federal prosecutors stated that Peña orchestrated a series of shootings directed at the homes of four elected officials. These incidents occurred between December 4, 2022, and January 3, 2023, based on court records.
“Refusing to accept his electoral loss, Peña organized a shooting spree that targeted the homes of four elected officials and their families,” prosecutors asserted.
Defense Argues “Travesty”
In a text message following the jury’s decision, Hart described the verdict as “a travesty.”
“Evidence demonstrated that Mr. Pena was not involved in these shootings. Solomon Pena was prosecuted due to his political beliefs, and because he asserted that the 2020 election was stolen and rigged,” Hart contended.
He further stated, “Meanwhile, the individuals who actually perpetrated the shootings and terrorized these politicians are going to be exonerated. This is not the intended function of our legal system.”
Prosecutors have not yet issued a response to requests for comment on the verdict.
Co-defendants and Guilty Pleas
Prosecutors indicated that the shootings, one of which involved a machine gun, were carried out by Peña and co-defendants Demetrio Trujillo, 43, and his son, Jose Trujillo, 24.
Both Demetrio and Jose Trujillo pleaded guilty last year to charges including conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during a violent crime, among other counts, according to prosecutors.
They are awaiting sentencing and could face sentences up to life in prison.
Defense Blames Co-defendants
During the trial, Hart attributed responsibility for the shootings to Demetrio and Jose Trujillo. He argued that Peña did not commit the shootings, never ordered them, nor was he present when they took place.
He asserted, “The evidence indicates that the father and son bear full responsibility for these shootings and are attempting to place blame on Peña.”
“They perceive an opportunity to evade incarceration and avoid imprisonment for their offenses,” Hart added.
Targeted Officials Identified
While the indictment against Peña did not identify the elected officials whose homes were targeted, it mentioned that Peña targeted a state senator, two members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners, and a close political associate. Some of these officials have since publicly identified themselves.
Victims’ Testimonies
“Peña visited my residence shortly after the election,” Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa stated in 2023. “He was somewhat incoherent in his arguments regarding the election and the number of doors he canvassed not aligning with the vote count.”
She recounted that eight shots were fired at her home on December 4, 2022, marking the initiation of the targeted shootings.
Former County Commissioner Debbie O’Malley recounted a similar encounter with Peña: “This individual came to my home. I was deeply concerned and unsettled by it. He expressed anger about losing the election.”
Bullets impacted her home on December 11 and December 12, 2022, while she and her husband were asleep inside, according to police reports.
Albuquerque police reported that at least eight shots were also fired at the home of State Senator Linda Lopez.