A murder suspect was attacked by the uncle of his alleged victim in the middle of a court hearing.
Alexander Ortiz appeared in court on Friday charged with the alleged murder of Alianna Farfan. While the man was waiting for his hearing, one of Farfan’s uncles jumped over the courtroom gate and dashed toward Ortiz.
Ortiz’s lawyer quickly jumped out of the way, and an officer attempted to pull the suspect away, but Farfan’s uncle, Carlos Lucero, tackled Ortiz and began punching him. Another man, Pete Ysasi, followed Lucero over the gate and joined him in attacking the suspect.
Ortiz’s father, Joeray Ortiz, tried to help his son by attacking Lucero and Ysasi.
The brawl lasted about a minute before officers arrived to break up the fight. Lucero, Ysasi, and the suspect’s father were arrested, while Ortiz was led out of the courtroom.
Lucero and Ysasi were both charged with battery against a peace officer and assault on a jail.
Lucero explained that he attacked Ortiz because “he killed my niece like a coward,” and said that “it was worth every moment,” according to a criminal complaint.
