EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)– Relatives of a man who was fatally stabbed in his Las Cruces home say they want justice as the case heads to trial.
Michael Mata, 30, was killed on Aug. 29, 2024. Police responding to a domestic disturbance call on Buchanan Avenue found him with multiple stab wounds in a bedroom. He later died at a hospital.
Investigators identified then-28-year-old Selena Carrillo as the suspect. They say Carrillo was in a relationship with Mata’s sister, who told officers she had been beaten by Carrillo that morning. Carrillo was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and battery against a household member.
Mata’s older sister, Vanessa Mata, says her brother was often caught in the middle when police were called to the home before.
“A judge allowing this violent person who has a history of violence with these same people at the same residence, allowing her back to that residence, was a recipe for what occurred,” she said.
The family says prosecutors have told them the charge could be reduced to second-degree murder through a plea deal, but Vanessa disagrees.
“She left the home after this argument, and she had every right to stay away from the residence and not return. But she returned ready to do something to somebody. And to me, that spells premeditation right there.”
The Doña Ana County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Carrillo does have a criminal history, but no prior domestic violence convictions. Officials said she once faced a misdemeanor battery charge, but that case was later dismissed.
Carrillo’s trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 14.
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