LAS CRUCES – Doña Ana County District Attorney Mark D’Antonio on Thursday announced that Joe Azure will be held without bond on two pending battery cases. Azure, 44, has been in custody since Aug. 31, when he was arrested in Albuquerque on a warrant for attempted first-degree murder.
Magistrate Judge Richard Jacquez on Thursday found that Azure had violated the conditions of his release on the two pending cases by failing to secure an attorney, leaving Doña Ana County, and violating state laws by picking up the new charges.
Azure was charged with battery against a household member on Feb. 23, then again on June 12. The alleged victim is the same in both battery cases.
On Aug. 27, police say Azure attacked the victim again. A warrant was subsequently issued by a Doña Ana Magistrate Court judge, charging Azure with attempted murder, as well as aggravated burglary for breaking into the woman's home, larceny for taking over $2,500 worth of items from the home — including a .32 caliber derringer pistol and a .410 caliber colt shotgun — theft of a credit card which belonged to the business the victim worked for, and fraudulent use of a credit card where Azure is alleged to have spent more than $500.
Family members told reporters that the victim suffered 27 facial fractures and went into a coma. The victim’s brother testified at Thursday’s hearing, where he told the court his sister required multiple surgeries during the time she was hospitalized.
Jacquez ordered Azure to be held without bond until the two battery cases have been resolved.
Prosecutors from the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office have filed an expedited motion for pretrial detention in Azure’s pending felony case, alleging he poses a danger to the community and is a flight risk. A hearing has been scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Friday in District Court.
The charges from the alleged Aug. 27 are pending indictment by a grand jury.
Information from Third Judicial Dist. Attorney's Office