Update on home invasion case: Nathan Avalos enters plea deal

ABC-7 has an update on the New Years Day home invasion of MMA fighter Joseph Torrez. On Tuesday, Nathan Avalos entered a plea deal at Dona Ana County District Court. Avalos and three others were accused of breaking into Torrez’s home on Jan. 1, 2014.

Avalos pleaded guilty to multiple felony accounts, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, breaking and entering, child abuse and criminal damage to property.

Avalos entered the courtroom in an orange jumpsuit and his hands and ankles were shackled. He stood with very little emotion before Judge Fernando Macias.

As part of his plea agreement, one of the most severe counts, attempted first degree murder, was dismissed. Avalos now faces up to 7 years behind bars.

“In this matter will you confirm to me that you understand the maximum sentence that the court can impose related to these five different charges?” Judge Fernando Macias said.

Avalos replied with, “Yes your honor.”

Prosecutor Daniel Sewell took a moment to remind the court just how threatening Avalos allegedly acted the night of the home invasion.

“Testimony at the trial would be that Nathan Avalos and one of the others were both trying to stab Joseph Torrez with a knife a kitchen knife as he was fighting them off, even at one point being on his back,” Sewell said.

Avalos’ sentencing is expected this January.