ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico's attorney general is investigating the circumstances that led to the release of a repeat offender who prosecutors say went on to kill a police officer.
The Albuquerque Journal reports (http://bit.ly/1dXu3UK) Attorney General Hector Balderas this week is summoning about a dozen criminal justice and social service providers who came in contact with 28-year-old Andrew Romero.
Prosecutors have charged Romero with first-degree murder in the Memorial Day shooting that killed Rio Rancho police officer Gregg "Nigel" Benner. A review team will investigate Romero's criminal history and release.
Balderas said in a statement Monday that the judicial system failed when it didn't keep Romero behind bars.
Romero is a convicted felon who was put on probation when he could have received up to 13 years in jail for possessing illegal drugs, a stolen car and a weapon.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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