By Associated Press - Tuesday, May 9, 2017

PORTALES, N.M. (AP) - A Portales man accused of murder won’t stand trial later this month.

The Eastern New Mexico News reports (https://bit.ly/2pieVLq ) David Smith has signed an undisclosed plea offer.

Smith, whose trial was set for May 22-26, allegedly held William Vaughn hostage in Smith’s home in November 2015. Vaughn died after suffering a traumatic brain injury, burns and severe bruising.

Ninth Judicial District Attorney Jake Boazman declined to say what the plea agreement is until it is officially filed in court.

Smith’s attorney, Anna Aragon, confirmed Monday she has received the plea offer and her client has signed it.

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Information from: The Eastern New Mexico News, https://www.easternnewmexiconews.com

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