Teenager Makes Plea Deal With Prosecutors

LAS CRUCES, NM – The teenager accused of choking his high school football teammate has made a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

15-year-old Aaron Martinez was originally charged with Aggravated Battery for choking Matthew Garcia. As a result of the choking, Garcia lost consciousness and hit his head on the locker room’s floor after falling to the ground. Last January, Garcia’s mother told ABC-7 her son sustained severe brain damage and was suffering from seizures as a result of the fall.

Martinez’s defense attorney’s argued doctors could not connect Garcia’s seizures to one specific incident.

“Sorry Matthew. There was no intentions of hurting you. I apologize to you and your family,” said Martinez as he addressed Garcia.

Despite the agreement, the judge presiding over the case told Martinez he still faces serious consequences. “Even though it’s a misdemeanor, this is a serious offense with serious consequences. To some degree, you hurt an individual,” said the Judge Macias, who sentenced Martinez to one year of probation.

Martinez was also ordered to take anger management classes and to write a letter of apology to Garcia and his family.

Officials at Las Cruces Public School have not stated whether or not the two teenagers will be allowed to play together next season.

——–

Written and reported for broadcast by Doug Wernet

Written for the web by Joe Villasana