Defendant expected to take deal in Ulibarri slaying

CLOVIS — In four weeks, a nightmare of more than two years is expected to see a closing of sorts for family of Ariel Ulibarri.

That’s when District Attorney Andrea Reeb said she expects a plea deal to be accepted by Matthew Jennings.

Jennings, 28, is accused of fatally stabbing Ulibarri, a 23-year-old mother of two, on Nov. 9, 2014, at the Goodwin Lake Walking Trails Park.

Reeb said an intent to plead guilty is not in writing, but she expects that to happen based on other documentation in the case.

A motion has been filed by Stephen McIlwain, Jennings’ attorney, for a change of plea and vacation of Jennings’ April 17 trial date. In the trial’s place will be a 3 p.m. April 6 hearing before District Judge Drew Tatum.

Members of Ulibarri’s family plan to speak during the hearing.

“Honestly, it’s a big relief,” said LeAnna Montano, Ulibarri’s sister, of the two-plus years waiting for justice. “Relief isn’t really the word. It’s been a frustration, because it’s been frustrating going through this process.”

Under the expected plea agreement, Jennings would receive a life sentence — defined in New Mexico as 30 years before the possibility of parole. Had Jennings gone to trial, he would have also faced a tampering-with-evidence charge, which would have carried an additional six years.

Reeb said the plea could not be offered until Jennings was found competent to stand trial — which happened in February — and giving up the tampering charge gives the family closure while saving the state the cost of a trial.

“I’m more happy for the family than us getting it closed,” Reeb said. “In December, it was unexpectedly continued. They were upset and wanted closure.”

Also, Reeb said, those six years for tampering might never be served, because Jennings would have to first be granted parole for the life sentence.

According to court records from the closed hearing in February, Jennings testified that he stabbed Ulibarri, wanted to plead guilty, and did not want a trial.

Reeb said she was prepared to go to trial if needed.

“With his DNA on the handle of the knife,” Reeb said, “and her DNA on the blade of the knife, all the surveillance, his confessions. I thought there was a very good chance to get a murder conviction.”

McIlwain, Jennings’ attorney, declined comment prior to the April hearing.

Court records show Ulibarri, 23, was walking with her 6-year-old son in the park when she was attacked. She was stabbed multiple times. The child ran away and was not injured.

Family members found the knife police believe was used in the slaying a day later, near the scene of the homicide.

Officials have said Jennings’ DNA is on the knife.

Officials said Ulibarri did not know her attacker.

Ulibarri’s mother has since taken care of the two children.

Montano said she could always count on her sister to plan some surprise party for the holidays or throw a day trip together with just a few minutes notice.

“The thing I miss the most about her, I’d say, was her craziness,” Montano said. “She was always so alive and crazy.”