ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s been more than five years since an Albuquerque Uber driver shot and killed one of his passengers along I-25 after an argument. Now, the New Mexico Supreme Court has finally ruled that the driver won’t face a murder trial.
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It’s a decision more than two years in the making for the New Mexico Supreme Court over whether Clayton Benedict should face a murder trial for a fatal shooting. Benedict was working as an Uber driver in 2019 when he was charged with shooting a passenger in his car after pulling over I-25 near Montaño.
Investigators said the shooting happened on Saint Patrick’s Day after one of two passengers threw up in the car. Benedict, who was driving, claimed self-defense when he shot and killed James Porter.
Based on the evidence, the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office pursued a murder case against Benedict. Since 2019, the case has yet to go to trial as attorneys battle over whether Benedict should face murder or a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter.
In a final ruling on Thursday, the New Mexico Supreme Court said Benedict will only face a voluntary manslaughter trial and not a murder case. The decision means that if convicted at trial, Benedict could face up to six years in prison rather than a possible 15 years for second-degree murder.
A trial hasn’t been set and the DA’s Office declined to comment.
Clayton Benedict’s attorney sent this statement:
After so many years on appeal, Mr. Benedict is right back where he started: preparing to defend himself in court after he acted in self-defense against a dangerous and extremely intoxicated person who threatened his life
Attorney Ray Maestas, New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender
