A former New Mexico state police officer will face charges for the death of William Tenorio of San Felipe Pueblo.

Alfred Lovato was the passenger in a car that struck and killed Tenorio, 46, on November 26, 2008. The driver, Carlos Fierro, is serving at least three years on a vehicular homicide charge.

In certain cases, state law allows for the passenger to be charged with the same crimes as the driver. The New Mexico Court of Appeals on Friday said the case against Lovato qualified.

Lovato and Fierro had been drinking on the night before the accident.

Get the Story:
Ex-state cop faces reinstated criminal charges (The Santa Fe New Mexican 3/22)

New Mexico Court of Appeals Decision:
New Mexico v. Lovato (March 18, 2011)

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