A former New Mexico state police officer faces a trial for his role in the death of William Tenorio of San Felipe Pueblo.

Alfred Lovato, 38, is charged with vehicular homicide and causing a fatal accident. They are the same charges that led to a guilty verdict against Carlos Fierro, 36, an attorney and lobbyist who has worked on Indian issues.

Lovato was a passenger in the car driven by Fierro, who was found responsible for hitting and killing Tenorio, 46, in the early morning hours of November 26, 2008. The New Mexico Court of Appeals recently ruled that passengers, in certain cases, can be charged with the same crimes as the driver.

A judge held a preliminary hearing to determine whether to proceed with the case against Lovato. Fierro refused to testify when called to the stand.

Get the Story:
Court of Appeals decision to be used in case against Fierro (The Santa Fe New Mexican 10/8)
Fierro Lawyers Seek New Trial (The Albuquerque Journal 10/8)
Driver in Deadly Crash Won't Testify in Passenger's Hearing (The Albuquerque Journal 10/8)

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