Ex-officer Lunsford released while seeking new trial

A judge in Las Cruces has decided to release former police officer Brad Lunsford while he considers Lunsford's request for a new trial. Lunsford, 39, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter last month after he shot and killed 36-year-old Presley Eze at a gas station in 2022. The confrontation began when officers responded to a report that Eze had stolen a beer. Lunsford, claiming he acted in self-defense, said Eze reached for a Taser during a struggle. Lunsford is now arguing that errors in jury procedures violated his rights. His new attorney, Matthew Chandler, pointed out that problems with juror substitutions caused unfairness. However, state prosecutors argued that these issues did not affect the trial's outcome, as all jurors had been approved from the beginning. Judge James Foy expressed regret for the errors but refused to dismiss the jury's verdict. He stated that the decision on whether to grant a new trial or uphold the conviction will be made soon. Meanwhile, Lunsford must pay a $10,000 bond and wear a GPS monitor to stay in the area. Another hearing is scheduled for next week, and sentencing is set for April 4. The state Department of Justice has raised concerns after a juror faced harassment related to the case, stating that the defense's accusations of bias against jurors are unfounded and harmful.