Colleagues remember Judge Schwartz

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque’s legal community is reeling after District Court Judge Bob Schwartz died suddenly from Pneumonia Monday morning.

The 62-year-old was a colorful character with decades of high profile cases under his belt.

While at the surface it’s business as usual at the courthouse Tuesday, the unexpected loss of Criminal Court Judge Schwartz is making for a somber atmosphere.

Schwartz had a long legal career in Albuquerque serving as DA for two terms and nearly getting elected as Albuquerque mayor in 2001.

Schwartz had been recovering in the hospital from a broken leg when he caught Pneumonia. He died Monday morning.

Fellow District Judge Reed Sheppard says Schwartz will be missed.

“People are in shock, can't believe we've lost such an icon in the legal community here. It's very troubling. It's just a sad day,” Judge Sheppard told KRQE News 13.

Judge Sheppard also recalled Schwartz’s sense of humor, which he said is another thing he’ll miss about his colleague.