Maximum sentence urged for ax murderer

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE-KBIM) - Friends and family of the victim say it's not enough that a handyman only faces 25 years in prison for killing and dismembering a Roswell woman with an ax.

On Nov. 16 Allen Bruce pleaded no-contest to second-degree murder and five other felonies in the death of Leatha Tidwell. Her friends and relatives believe Bruce should have been prosecuted for first-degree murder, which potentially carries a life sentence.

Instead he faces 15 years for the murder plus 10 1/2 years on the other charges including stealing Tidwell's truck to try to get rid of the body.

In March Bruce was doing handyman work at Tidwell’s home when he says he killed her because she was criticizing the job he was doing.

"All we can do is push for the full 25 1/2 he is facing, and that's what we're trying to do with our petition," said Leandra Torres who started the petition at the only Shell gas station in Roswell.

Torres said she and Tidwell were not just co-workers but part of a family.

"We're trying to get something done so this doesn't happen to somebody else,” Torres said.

In just eight days a group of concerned friends and family members have already gathered more than 600 signatures.  And that’s not counting about a half dozen other places that are collecting signatures.

The group plans to show the petition to Fifth Judicial District Attorney Janetta Hicks next week.

They’re angry Bruce wasn't hit with first-degree murder charges but also think second-degree murder should carry a longer sentence when the crime is particularly violent and gruesome.

"The laws need to be changed, and that's what we're going to try to do," said Kari Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick has been going door-to-door in Roswell gathering signatures and wants to collect 5,000 by the Dec. 3 meeting with the district attorney.

Fitzpatrick and Torres said they’re hoping to ensure Bruce gets the maximum sentence. Then they’re taking their fight to Santa Fe to press for changes in the law like longer sentences for second-degree murder.

Hicks said her office was unable to charge Bruce with first-degree murder because the act was not premeditated and happened in the heat of the moment.

However Hicks also said she supports more jail time for second-degree murder convictions as well as expanded statutes for first-degree murder.