Prosecutors: MMA fighter won’t be charged in death

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Prosecutors in southern New Mexico say a professional mixed martial artist won’t be charged in a fatal stabbing of an intruder during a suspected home invasion at the fighter’s home.

The District Attorney’s office in Las Cruces announced Thursday that a thorough investigation did not produce evidence to prove that Joseph Torrez killed 25-year-old Sal Garces on Jan. 1 without legal justification.

The office says its conclusion was based on evidence turned up by the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, which didn’t recommend prosecution of Torrez.

The District Attorney’s Office says it can’t discuss facts of the case because several people await trial on charges of aggravated burglary and other crimes.

Sheriff’s officials have said Torrez fatally stabbed Garces after Garces and two others forced their way into Torrez’s home.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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