Supreme Court affirms Hust's sentence in 2018 child murder

After being convicted in 2022 of the rape and death of a 6-year-old girl in 2018, Leland Hust challenged the ruling and the case went as high as the Supreme Court of New Mexico.

The reportedly "emotionless" Hust was sentenced in March 2022 to life in prison by the 13th Judicial District Court for the rape and strangulation death of 6-year-old Ariana “Jade” Romeo of Rio Rancho. That verdict was reached about six hours after the jury deliberated.

Now, that ruling has been fortified by the state Supreme Court.

"The state Supreme Court today issued a unanimous nonprecedential decision upholding the convictions of a Rio Rancho man, Leland Hust, for the rape and death of a 6-year-old girl in 2018," reads an announcement of the court's decision.

According to the court's ruling, Hust and his lawyers alleged mishandling of the case, saying first the judge admitted DNA evidence that was prejudicial and "confused the jury." The Supreme Court ruled that the DNA was acceptable, noting that just because the DNA evidence damaged Hust's case doesn't mean it was unfairly prejudicial. The identity of the killer was the main problem during the initial trial, so the DNA was essential in identifying the true perpetrator, according to the ruling.

Hust also alleged misconduct by the prosecution, which told the jury to "do the right thing" during closing arguments in the initial trial. The Supreme Court states, "In addressing these claims, we reiterate that the district court has wide discretion to control closing argument and both the defense and the prosecution are afforded wide latitude." It also shuts down Hust's claims that his defense was not allowed to elaborate in closing argument on molestation allegations against Hust's step-grandfather.

Hust also argued the district court admitted sections of the police interview that were "with himself." However, the Supreme Court agrees with the initial ruling, saying that evidence only showed Hust's struggle with mental health at the time and was not unfairly prejudicial.

He additionally claimed the judge abused its power by qualifying the lead detective as an expert in bloodstain pattern analysis. The Supreme Court simply says the jury had more than enough opportunity to determine if the detective was qualified.

"For the foregoing reasons, we affirm defendant’s convictions for criminal sexual penetration of a minor and child abuse resulting in death," the ruling state.

Hust will serve out the initial life sentence in prison.