Failed political candidate indicted in shootings at New Mexico officials’ homes

The shootings at the homes and businesses of Democratic state and Bernalillo County officials occurred after Solomon Pena lost an election by a significant margin.

A grand jury indicted Solomon Pena, 39, on counts that include shooting at an occupied dwelling, conspiracy and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Albuquerque police arrested Pena on Jan. 16, more than a month after shots were fired at the home of a county commissioner on Dec. 4, officials have said.

Pena ran as a Republican for a state House seat but lost to incumbent Democrat Miguel P. Garcia by 5,679 to 2,033, or 74% to 26%.

Albuquerque police have said Pena believed the election had been “rigged.” He had taken his complaints to some of the officials whose homes were later struck by gunfire, to no avail, police said.

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