A Las Cruces judge ordered a man accused of killing an unhoused man to be held in jail after prosecutors argued he presented a threat to other unhoused residents.
At the hearing on July 10, William Clyde Turner, 51, was ordered to remain in jail until the case was resolved, even though his defense attorney suggested that self-defense may be relevant as the case progresses.
Turner is accused of killing Carlos Joseph Lakemper, 30, on July 6 behind the Circle K on Avenida De Mesilla. Turner is charged with first-degree murder and denied stabbing Lakemper, according to court records.
The central document of Wednesday’s hearing was the affidavit filed against Turner. His attorney, Ramona Martinez, questioned why prosecutors were not providing evidence described in the affidavit instead of relying entirely on it.
“I practice in other jurisdictions, and other district attorneys’ offices are able to get me basic discovery,” she said.
Specifically, Martinez said that prosecutors should have provided her with surveillance video that allegedly showed Turner and Lakemper entering Circle K at different points. She asked the judge not to consider that evidence, but the judge denied her request.
David McCardle, a prosecutor with the 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, reiterated the key points of the affidavit during the hearing’s arguments and provided additional information about the case.
According to court records, police believe Turner and Lakemper – both of whom are homeless – encountered each other behind Circle K on Avenida de Mesilla before getting into an argument that turned into a fight.
Turner told police after his arrest that Lakemper came to collect $60 from Turner, according to officers. Turner said he didn’t have the money, which caused Lakemper to attack him. Turner told police that Lakemper beat him up and overpowered him until Turner used a lighter to burn Lakemper and flee toward his encampment.
Turner told police he did not stab Lakemper. He also said that he does not carry knives.
However, a witness statement summarized in the affidavit contradicted Turner’s account. The witness, also described as homeless in the affidavit, observed the fight from a nearby campsite. The witness said Turner used a black combat knife to stab Lakemper in the back.
The affidavit does not state whether police recovered the knife, and statements made in court suggest they did not.
A short time later, a woman who was with Turner informed Circle K workers about the stabbing. The workers then called 911. Lakemper was taken to a Las Cruces hospital and then an El Paso hospital, where he later died. The affidavit noted that doctors believed Lakemper suffered from a punctured right lung.
Ultimately, Judge Richard Jacquez felt there was enough evidence to show that Turner was dangerous and that no form of bond would protect the public.
