Murder Suspect Attacked by Victim's Family During Court Hearing

A courtroom in Albuquerque, New Mexico, erupted into chaos when the family of a murdered woman allegedly attacked the man accused of killing her. The dramatic moment unfolded during a plea hearing for Alexander Ortiz, 21, who has been charged with the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan.

Family Members Take Justice Into Their Own Hands

On Jan. 31, 2025, emotions boiled over inside the Bernalillo County Courthouse as Farfan’s uncle and stepfather leaped over the courtroom barrier and charged at Ortiz. The confrontation, captured on video, shows the two men throwing punches while Ortiz attempts to flee. The scene quickly descended into an all-out brawl involving several individuals, including a corrections officer and Ortiz’s father.

A Taser was eventually used to break up the fight. Two of the men, identified as Carlos Lucero and Pete Ysasi, were taken into custody and charged with battery on a peace officer. According to NBC News, Lucero reportedly told the officer who detained him, “He killed my niece like a coward. It was worth every moment.”

A History of Abuse Ends in Tragedy

Farfan’s murder occurred on Jan. 11, 2024, inside her apartment in Northeast Albuquerque. Police say Ortiz and Farfan had a history of domestic abuse, and on the night of the shooting, the couple was arguing in her bedroom when a single gunshot rang out. Farfan’s friends, who were in the apartment at the time, kicked down the door and found her with a fatal gunshot wound to the face. Ortiz had already escaped through the window.

Authorities launched a manhunt for Ortiz, eventually arresting him on Feb. 21, 2024, after a brief standoff with SWAT officers. He was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he has remained ever since.

A Family’s Grief Turns to Rage

For Farfan’s family, seeing Ortiz in person for the first time since her death was overwhelming. Her mother, Melyssa Lucero, told KOAT7, “He took something away from us. My most important person, and it’s just hard for all of us.”

Farfan, a mother of two, was just 23 years old at the time of her death - just 19 days shy of her 24th birthday. Her family believes she stayed in the abusive relationship too long out of fear. “I wish she would have told us how bad things were,” her mother said.

With the courtroom fight making headlines, the focus has now shifted back to Ortiz’s upcoming hearings. His plea hearing, originally set for Jan. 31, 2025, was postponed to Feb. 7, 2025. Given the violent outburst, additional security measures were requested for the rescheduled plea hearing.

Another Murder Charge Emerges

Ortiz’s legal troubles don’t stop with Farfan’s murder. Just six days after her death, he allegedly killed another woman, Nicole Maldonado, outside the Adam Food Market in Albuquerque. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Ortiz walking up to a parked car, firing three shots, and casually walking away.

At the time, Ortiz was still on the run, but he was arrested in February 2024 for Farfan’s murder. Authorities later received multiple tips linking him to Maldonado’s killing, leading to a second murder charge nearly a year after the crime.

A Case That Continues to Unfold

The violent courtroom brawl highlights the pain and anger felt by Farfan’s loved ones. While some may sympathize with the family’s actions, others see it as an example of why emotions must be kept in check in a court of law.

Ortiz, now facing multiple murder charges, will have his day in court. Whether justice will be served remains to be seen, but for Farfan’s grieving family, the wounds of her untimely death remain fresh.

If you or someone you know is in need of support from domestic violence, visit The Hotline or call 1.800-799-SAFE (7233).

References: Video shows New Mexico murder suspect getting attacked by victim’s family in court | APD arrests suspect for murder of ex-girlfriend | Victim’s family explains viral courtroom fight | Suspect from court brawl tied to second homicide investigation | MDC Custody List - Record Detail | Alianna “Bubbas” Farfan