Man allegedly stabbed over speakers
An 18-year-old accused of stabbing a man over a pair of $200 stereo speakers pleaded not guilty last week.
Charged with criminal attempt to commit second-degree murder, first-degree assault and three counts of third-degree assault, Angelo Gray, of Cortez, appeared in custody last week to claim his innocence. A four-day jury trial was set for April 20.
Court records allege the defendant stabbed a 21-year-old man in the chest and stomach with a knife at a Chestnut Street residence on Sept. 16.
According to police, the victim reportedly slapped a woman after she spit in his face. The defendant subsequently stabbed the victim twice. An eyewitness recorded the altercation, which reveals the defendant holding the knife, police said.
Authorities seized bloody clothing and a bloody pocketknife from the suspect.
Dolores man faces charges in stabbing
A Dolores man faces felony and misdemeanor assault charges after he reportedly admitted to stabbing a man.
Appearing out of custody, Daniel Schiess, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charges in court last week. A jury trial was set for March 16.
Authorities report that the defendant admitted to stabbing the 41-year-old victim in the chest only after he was repeatedly punched in the face.
Suspect jailed in domestic violence
A 28-year-old New Mexico man will spend the holidays behind bars after pleading guilty in a domestic violence case.
Brandon Shorty of Shiprock pleaded guilty last week to criminal trespass. He was initially charged with burglary, obstruction, criminal mischief, theft, violating a protection order and violating bond conditions. Those charges were dismissed as a result of the plea agreement.
Court records say the defendant broke into his ex-wife’s home and injured a child on Sept. 6.
Citing an extensive and violent criminal history, the court sentenced Shorty to 75 days in jail with credit for 20 days served. After the jail term, the defendant will be subject to 24 months of supervised probation and domestic violence treatment.
2008 drug case resumes
A Cortez man charged in a 2008 drug case pleaded not guilty last week to all charges.
Roman Salaiz, 56, was originally arrested on multiple felony drug charges on Jan. 8, 2008. Appearing in custody last week, Salaiz pleaded not guilty. A four-day jury trial was set for April 20.
Police allege the defendant possessed a quarter ounce of cocaine.
Mentally ill suspect sentenced
Despite a recommendation for additional jail, the court ruled an assault suspect suffering from mental health disorders would be better off on the outside.
Tobin Ethington, 33, of Cortez spent months behind bars after his arrest on second-degree assault and resisting arrest charges in May. Appearing out of custody at sentencing this week, he was ordered to 24 months of probation with credit for time served.
“There are too many mentally ill in jail, because they are mentally ill,” a judge said.
Ethington was arrested after hitting a 50-year-old man in the head with a metal cotter pin.
Dolores man faces charges in stabbing
A Dolores man faces felony and misdemeanor assault charges after he reportedly admitted stabbing a man.
Daniel Schiess, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charges in court last week. A jury trial was set for March 16.
Authorities report that the defendant admitted stabbing the 41-year-old victim in the chest only after he was repeatedly punched in the face.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com
