Las Cruces man pleads guilty to several charges, attempted murder charge dropped after trial begins

A Las Cruces man accused of attacking a couple with a hammer has pleaded guilty to lesser charges after his attempted first-degree murder trial began on Tuesday.

Guy Jaime Young now pleads guilty to aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, armed robbery, tampering with evidence and auto theft. The attempted murder charge has now been dropped.

Opening arguments had taken place in Young’s trial and the first witness was set to testify when Young changed his plea.

Young faces enhanced sentencing for prior felony convictions in Otero County.