FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 5, 2016
Contact: James Hallinan (505) 660-2216
Albuquerque, NM – This morning, Xavier Nelson was arraigned in Bernalillo County District Court on three counts involving the death of 10-year-old Carmen Esmeralda Rivera in November 2016. Last week, the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office secured a grand jury indictment including charges of felony Homicide by Vehicle (Reckless Driving) and misdemeanors Possession of a Controlled Substance and Racing on Highways against Nelson. Attorney General Balderas announced today that the Office of the Attorney General will jointly prosecute this case with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
“The Office of the Attorney General will pool our resources and expertise with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office to jointly prosecute Mr. Nelson,” Attorney General Hector Balderas said. “Our office will continue to work with DA’s and local law enforcement across New Mexico to investigate and prosecute crimes against children, and I am grateful for District Attorney Brandenburg welcoming our partnership in this matter.”
“Having the Attorney General’s assistance is an invaluable resource in the prosecution of this case,” said District Attorney Kari Brandenburg. “Attorney General Balderas was quick to offer the help of his team and we are very much appreciative. This collaboration is another positive step forward in quickly addressing these kinds of tragedies.”
Please see attached for the grand jury indictment and a photo of Xavier Nelson.
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