A dramatic courtroom brawl erupted in Albuquerque, New Mexico, when a murder victim's family members attacked the accused killer during a court appearance. The incident, captured on video, unfolded on Friday morning in a district court. 

Carlos Lucero, the victim's uncle, and another man identified as Pete Ysasi, charged at defendant Alexander Ortiz as he stood before the judge. The video shows Lucero landing the first blow, followed by Ysasi joining the fray. Court officers and other family members intervened, but the situation quickly escalated. A corrections officer attempting to quell the violence was also punched during the melee.

While being apprehended, Lucero reportedly told deputies he attacked Ortiz because Ortiz "killed my niece like a coward," adding that the confrontation "was worth every moment." Both Lucero and Ysasi now face assault charges, including battery on a peace officer.

Katina Watson, CEO of the Second Judicial District Court, emphasized the significance of courtroom security in light of this incident. She commended the officer's swift response, stating, "I really want to give recognition to the MDC officer who was caught in the middle of this, and he did everything he could to ensure the safety of everyone." Watson also noted the increasing frequency of such disruptions, saying, "This is just one more incident that we continue to deal with. These are the types of things that we see regularly."

Ortiz stands accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan, on January 11, 2024, at an Albuquerque apartment complex. Investigators believe their relationship had been volatile and that Ortiz was agitated with Farfan on the day of the shooting. Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot and seeing Ortiz escaping through a window. He is also a suspect in the January 17, 2024, murder of 35-year-old Nicole Maldonado, who was killed outside a food market. Ortiz faces a multitude of charges, including murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence.