New Mexico State Police have been told by Gov. Susana Martinez's office to turn over recordings of a fatal shooting of a homeless camper by Albuquerque police directly to the FBI.
It is unusual for State Police to bypass an Albuquerque police investigation and turn over evidence directly to the federal agency.
The FBI has opened an investigation into the March 16 shooting of James Boyd as officials have said he appeared to be surrendering.
It's the first confirmed criminal investigation of Albuquerque police by federal officials, who more than a year ago launched a civil rights probe over allegations of excessive force and a spike in police shootings.
Martinez's directive to turn over the tapes to the FBI was made Thursday.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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