New Mexico man changes plea, sentenced for killing security guard
CARLSBAD, New Mexico May 9 2019 A New Mexico man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for the shooting death of a security guard.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reported Monday that 28-year-old Bobby Smith of Artesia pleaded no contest to killing 25-year-old Michael Evans in January 2012.
Smith was sentenced to 13 years in prison during a change of plea hearing Monday, suspending four years of his original 17-year sentence on charges of second-degree murder, tampering with evidence and receiving stolen property.
Authorities say video footage showed Smith shooting Evans outside a building in Artesia, 37 miles (60 kilometers) north of Carlsbad.
A prosecutor says Smith must serve at least 85% of the new sentence.
Mental health experts who examined him say Smith appeared to be suffering from psychosis resulting from a schizophrenic disorder.
