LC Man Declared Competent To Stand Trial For Murder

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – A Las Cruces district judge determines that a man accused in the shooting death of another man is competent to stand trial.

49-year-old Kenneth Rauch is charged with first degree murder and attempt to commit murder. Authorities say in April of 2005, Rauch shot and killed 27-year-old Eusebio Escobedo at a Las Cruces gas station. At the time, investigators thought it was a random act of violence. After the shooting, Rauch reportedly told police he was depressed and suicidal.

Rauch continues to be held under a $1 million dollar bond in the Dona Ana County Detention Center. He had talked about acting as his own counsel, but the public defender will stay as his counsel. No word yet on a trial date. If convicted, he faces a penalty of life in prison.