For Immediate Release:
October 5, 2022
Contact: Jerri Mares – (505) 321-4372
Director of Communications, Office of the NM Attorney General
Victor Sanchez – (575)-437-3640
12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
ALAMOGORDO— Today, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas and Twelfth Judicial District Attorney Scot Key announced that Ricardo Soto was convicted of Intentional Child Abuse Resulting in Death of a two-year-old toddler, Jeremiah Nevarez, following a three-week-long trial. Soto faces a mandatory life sentence as a result of this conviction. The jury heard evidence that after inflicting the injuries which would eventually kill baby Jeremiah, the Defendant fled to Mexico before his arrest at the border. This case was prosecuted by the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office in partnership with the Office of the NM Attorney General.
“Children deserve the full protection of the law, and I am proud to partner with District Attorney Key to ensure justice is served for baby Jeremiah,” said Attorney General Balderas.
“I would like to thank the jury for their service in a heartbreaking case of child abuse,” said District Attorney Key. “I am also thankful to Attorney General Balderas for assisting in the prosecution of this case.”
This case was investigated by the New Mexico State Police and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Mark Probasco, District Attorney Scot Key, and Chief Deputy District Attorney James Dickens. Sentencing will be set at a later date.
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