Artesia man sentenced for attempted first degree murder
An Artesia man who pleaded guilty to attempted first degree murder in 2020 was sentenced to time in New Mexico Department of Corrections custody, Fifth Judicial District Court records indicated.
Benjamin D. Valenzuela, 34, was sentenced to seven years in prison for attempt to commit first degree murder, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, receipt, transportation or possession of a firearm or destructive device by certain felons, tampering with evidence and criminal damage to property, read court records.
In criminal complaints filed by the Artesia Police Department and Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Valenzuela approached an Artesia residence on Aug. 4, 2020 looking for a man. He later used a shotgun to fire three rounds at the front door.