ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A New Mexico judge has ruled the case against a ride-share driver accused of fatally shooting a passenger earlier this year will move forward on a single count of voluntary manslaughter.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, prosecutors asked Judge Neil Candelaria to find probable cause to support a second-degree murder prosecution against driver Clayton Benedict.
But the Candelaria says the evidence only supported a voluntary manslaughter charge.
Albuquerque police have said the shooting happened March 17 after Benedict picked up 27-year-old Porter and a friend and an altercation broke out along Interstate 25.
Benedict’s attorney argued Monday that his client acted in self-defense.
The Journal says Benedict could face up to seven years in prison if convicted of voluntary manslaughter.
___
Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.