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Witness To Testify At Evidence Hearing In El Rancho Killings

A pregnant inmate is expected to testify Tuesday at an evidence hearing related to the 2011 killings of an El Rancho couple and their adult son.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports 28-year-old Ashley Mae Roybal took a plea deal in exchange for her testimony against Nicholas Ortiz, who has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the three deaths.

Police say Ortiz killed Lloyd and Dixia Ortiz and their son Steven with a pickax.

Roybal pleaded guilty Monday to several charges including burglary. Her plea agreement says she is facing a partially-suspended sentence that could mean slightly more than 14 years in prison.

Her cousin, 19-year-old Jose Roybal, said he was offered immunity to testify against Ortiz.

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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican. 

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