89.9 FM Live From The University Of New Mexico
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Sergeant Tells Court SWAT Was Never Called To Boyd Scene

Greg Sorber / Albuquerque Journal
Sgt. James Fox points out officers on a map of the scene that prosecutor Randi McGinn holds up.

In the trial of the two Albuquerque police officers who shot and killed James Boyd, question surfaced about why tactical officers went to the scene when they weren’t officially activated that Sunday in 2014. 

Sgt. James Fox told the court that the officer making decisions about the standoff with Boyd had told him everything was under control. But he had concerns about the terrain and the approaching darkness, Fox testified, so he rounded up a few SWAT officers and headed over anyway. "As I arrived at the scene, I was attempting to slow it down, but it took on a life of its own and just continued to evolve and rapidly change," he said.

Fox said he felt guilty about sending SWAT officer Dominique Perez up the hill to be part of the team talking to Boyd. Perez shot Boyd and was later fired. Before that, Fox testified, Perez was an exemplary officer who made good decisions and had received no civilian complaints.

Former Officer Keith Sandy also shot Boyd. Both men been charged with second-degree murder and are facing 15 years in prison.

Marisa Demarco began a career in radio at KUNM News in late 2013 and covered public health for much of her time at the station. During the pandemic, she is also the executive producer for Your NM Government and No More Normal, shows focused on the varied impacts of COVID-19 and community response, as well as racial and social justice. She joined Source New Mexico as editor-in-chief in 2021.
Related Content