A New Mexico courtroom descended into chaos when one of the relatives of a murder victim attacked the man charged in the case, igniting a massive brawl.
Alexander Ortiz is accused of killing his his ex-girlfriend Alianna Farfan on Jan. 11. Police have described the relationship as abusive, KRQE reported.
Carlos Lucero, the uncle of the victim, charged suspect Alexander Ortiz during a court proceeding Friday morning. Lucero appears to tackle Ortiz and then falls off camera. A law enforcement officer frantically tries to regain control, becoming entangled with the two men.
From there, things quickly escalate as a man identified by KRQE as Pete Ysasi joins Lucero in attempting to beat Ortiz. However, another man then arrives and begins fighting with Lucero and Ysasi. The brawl is then joined by more people who either attempt to break things up or begin participating.
Police said that Lucero told deputies, "he killed my niece like a coward," and "it was worth every moment," according to KRQE.
Lucero and Ysasi face charges of assault and battery of a peace officer.
Originally published on Latin Times
