Las Cruces man accused of beating, nearly strangling to death wife over 3-day period is released without posting bond

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- A Las Cruces man who police said attacked his wife over a three-day period, repeatedly beating her and "strangling the woman to the point she nearly lost consciousness," has been released from jail on his own recognizance.

Carlos Herrera was freed from the Dona Ana County Detention Center without having to post any cash bond on charges that include two third-degree felony counts of aggravated battery, a fourth-degree felony count of false imprisonment, and two misdemeanor counts of battery.

Police said they arrested Herrera on Nov. 22 after learning that an argument turned violent and led to him holding his wife against her will over a three-day period in early October.

A police account of the investigation said, "Herrera repeatedly slapped, kicked and strangled the women to the point she nearly lost consciousness... the victim has bruises to her arms, legs and chest. She also had noticeable signs of being strangled."

Authorities Tuesday did not indicate a reason for Herrara's release on his own recognizance following his arrest.