By Rodd Cayton
A former Republican legislative candidate was found guilty of federal charges involving the shooting of the houses of Democratic officials this week.
A federal jury found Solomon Peña, 41, guilty of using and carrying a machine gun during and in relation to a crime of violence, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, interference with federally protected activities and other charges.
Peña could be sentenced to life in prison. No information on a sentencing hearing was immediately available.
Prosecutors alleged that Peña sought revenge on Democrats after he lost a 2022 election for a seat in the state House of Representatives. The district is a heavily Democratic seat, and Peña did not target his opponent.
Peña targeted were State Sens. Linda Lopez and Debbie O’Malley, Bernalillo County Commissioner Adriann Barboa and state House Speaker Javier Martinez.
At the time, Barboa and O’Malley were members of the county commission that certified the election results. They released the following statement, also signed by Lopez:
“Justice has been served. No individual or family should ever have to experience the terror of a drive by shooting. Our homes are meant to be our havens, where families feel secure and the stresses of our professional lives can be safely left behind. We are grateful that the jury found this man guilty on all counts and hope this verdict serves as a reminder that threats or acts of violence against anyone in this community will not be tolerated.”
Martinez told KOB the verdict comes as a relief.
“Solomon Peña’s conviction demonstrates that political violence has no place in New Mexico,” Martinez said. “My family and I are grateful that our justice system worked as it should to hold him accountable for his actions.”
A father and son, Demetrio Trujillo and Jose Trujillo, were also charged for their roles in the shootings. Each later pleaded guilty.