LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Today, District Attorney Mark D’Antonio announced that a man convicted of shooting two New Mexico State University students has been sentenced to more than 13 years behind bars.
Earlier this year, Philip Zaman, 25, pleaded no contest to attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, negligent use of a firearm and criminal damage to property.
As a result, Chief District Judge Fernando Macias sentenced the defendant to 13 ½ years in prison.
In November 2014, the defendant, armed with a handgun, entered a home near the NMSU campus and shot one victim in the stomach.
The second victim was shot while trying to run away. A bullet grazed his shoulder, entered his mouth and knocked out several teeth before exiting his cheek.
During today’s hearing, both victims and one of their parents asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence possible.
The defendant was also arrested in January while out on bond for allegedly running over and killing a woman in Santa Fe County. That case is still pending.
Information from Third Judicial District Attorney's Office