Alexis Avila found guilty of attempted murder, child abuse

Giuli Frendak, Jonathan Fjeld | KOB

[anvplayer video=”5172571″ station=”998122″]

LOVINGTON, N.M. — A jury found Alexis Avila guilty of attempted first-degree murder and child abuse resulting in great bodily harm. The Hobbs teen was accused of abandoning her newborn baby in a dumpster last winter.

The child abuse charge carries the highest penalty, as it’s the only first-degree felony in this case.

The case began earlier this week. Avila took the stand for the first time Thursday. Closing arguments were heard Friday morning.

Avila’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 1.

Prosecutors requested Avila be held in jail until sentencing. However, the judge denied revoking her conditions of release, saying May 1 isn’t far away and Avila has complied with all the conditions since he set them.

Avila is facing 18 years for the attempted murder charge, per the district attorney, but that could be reduced to 12 years.

During the trial, the father of Avila’s baby boy said the baby is doing well other than a potential heart murmur and asthma.

To watch the verdict, click here.

This is a developing story. Stay with KOB 4 Eyewitness News and KOB.com for updates.

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