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The man who is accused of killing his wife in front of their kids in Rio Rancho will be held without bail while he awaits trial.
Pablo Padilla, 35, of Ribera, was charged with murder, possession of a controlled substance and reckless driving after police arrested him at Sandoval Regional Medical Center April 3.
The state prosecutor asked April 15 that Padilla be held without bail before his trial.
According to the state's filed motion, the pre-trial detention is warranted for a number of reasons, including the violent charge of murder. The state also says the drug possession charge, evidence against Padilla, prior convictions and the danger posed to the community all indicate Padilla should be remain in jail pending trial.
"The state can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that pretrial detention is appropriate in this matter," the motion states. "The weight of the evidence is considerable. The entire crime was witnessed by his children. The defendant was in possession of the firearm believed to have been used to commit the murder as well as controlled substances (believed to be methamphetamine) that were found on his person pursuant to a Terry pat down. The defendant has had many law enforcement contacts and has a prior felony history."
The crimes over the years, according to court records, were aggravated fleeing law enforcement, trafficking cocaine, driving while intoxicated, speeding, battery of a household member, child abuse, criminal damage to property, receiving stolen property and several traffic offenses.
"The state believes that no other release conditions could reasonably secure the safety of another person or the community," it reads.
The 13th Judicial District Court agreed, and Padilla was taken back to Sandoval County Detention Center.
