Weekly update - May 6

Police officer's case to proceed with motions

The case of Clovis police officer Stephen Gallegos will proceed with a series of motions at 2:30 p.m. May 21 at the Curry County Courthouse, according to 10th Judicial District Court Senior Trial Attorney Tom Blakeney.

Gallegos was indicted on charges of homicide by motor vehicle and great bodily harm by motor vehicle in January 2011. The charges stem from a November 2010 crash that claimed the life of passenger Mary Castillo and injured driver Edith Payton.

Officer Gallegos was driving a Clovis Police car and on duty at the time of the crash.

Blakeney said the agenda will include discovery and motions for change of venue and dismissal.

— Tonjia Rolan

Probable cause conceded in stabbing

On April 27, Elizabeth Betancourt's attorney Fred Van Soelen conceded probable cause that a crime was committed, therefore the case will not be heard before a grand jury, according to 9th Judicial District Attorney Matt Chandler.

Betancourt was charged with an open count of homicide in the stabbing death of her husband, Santiago Bentancourt, on April 7.

Chandler said the case is set for arraignment within the next 10 days, at which time the court will advise Betancourt of the charges against her, the maximum penalty if found guilty, and a date will be set for a pre-trial conference.

— Tonija Rolan