Where’s Washington? Status of ex-NMSU basketball player facing 15 felonies remains unknown

LAS CRUCES, N.M.(KVIA) -- Twice in a week, former New Mexico State University basketball player Deshawndre Washington failed to appear in court for an ongoing hazing case. Washington is accused of 15 felonies tied to a hazing scandal during the 2023-23 NMSU basketball season.

Part of the season was cancelled, and NMSU's men's basketball coach at the time, Greg Heiar, was fired amid the allegations.

Monday, Washington failed to appear in Las Cruces for court and was later seen playing in a basketball tournament in Lebanon. His agency said conflict in the Middle East prevented him from returning to the U.S. for court.

After his absence on Monday, a judge ordered a bench warrant for his arrest.

Wednesday, he failed to answer the call to the court. That day, a judge lifted a gag order so those tied to the case can speak publicly about it.

Since Wednesday, Washington's attorneys and his agency remained silent about his whereabouts.

Friday, ABC-7 reached out to a former U.S. Marshal to explain what's next for Washington's case, and what law enforcement can do to bring him back to the U.S.

The New Mexico Department of Justice continues to pursue the case.