Suspect in connection to deadly confrontation with UNM student takes plea deal

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KVIA) -- One of the men who was at a Nov. 19, 2022 confrontation between UNM student Brandon Travis and NMSU student-athlete Mike Peake has taken a plea deal, according to the Bernalillo County District Attorney.

Jonathan Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated battery and tampering with evidence.

According to court documents, Smith, another person and Brandon Travis came up with a revenge plan to lure Peake to the UNM campus so they could beat him.

This was in retaliation for a prior fight at the UNM vs. NMSU game in Las Cruces.

The plan came undone when Peake pulled a gun from his waisted band after being hit with a bat and began firing at Travis. Travis returned fire, according to court documents.

Travis died at the scene. Peake was injured but survived.

Smith faces up to three years of incarceration.