Trained mixed martial artist allegedly kills man during home invasion, repels 3 others

More details have emerged in a New Year’s Day home invasion just north of Las Cruces that left one of the alleged invaders dead.

Dona Ana County Sheriff’s officials say 25-year-old Sal Garces, the man who was killed, and three other men broke into the Dona Ana home of Joseph Torrez.

Investigators say Torrez is a trained mixed martial artist.

Torrez, his fiance and toddler were all at home at the time of the invasion. According to the statement of facts, the fiance tried to use her body against the front door to keep the men from entering the home.

Charges against Torrez are pending but Las Cruces Police told ABC-7 it is not illegal for a person to use their body as a weapon in a home invasion.

“First of all, when you’re at home you want to have all your doors and windows locked when at all possible. But obviously you can’t protect yourself, 100 percent, all the time,” said Dan Trujillo, Las Cruces Police spokesman. “Somebody if you want to get in the house, they’re going to find a way in. If that happens, your first choice should always be to either remove yourself from the situation, get out and or call 911 right away. If that’s not an option, you can protect yourself and your family.”