ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – At least two high-profile New Mexico murder cases could be put on hold as the federal government shutdown threatens funding for court-appointed defense attorneys.
The issue is raising concerns about defendants’ constitutional rights and delaying justice for victims’ families.
Defense lawyers for Sheliky Sanchez and Zachary Babitz, both facing federal murder charges, have filed motions in U.S. District Court seeking to pause their cases until funding for indigent defense resumes. Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty in both cases…