LAS CRUCES, N.M. – A Las Cruces man is recovering from severe brain injuries sustained after being attacked by a repeat offender with a history of violent crimes. The family of Michael Ruiz is now advocating for changes within the criminal justice system following the assault by Shane Jones.
Ruiz’s sister, Marty Ruiz Garcia, expressed the urgent need for stricter laws, particularly to keep individuals like Shane Jones off the streets. The incident occurred when Ruiz was driving down Picacho Avenue and had a rock thrown at his truck. As a result, Ruiz stopped and instructed his grandson to contact the police.
According to Garcia, Jones approached Ruiz with a folded saw, making threats before launching a violent attack that resulted in severe head and brain injuries for Ruiz. Ruiz had to undergo medical procedures, including the placement of 10 staples on his head and treatment for a fractured skull and brain bleeds. Despite being discharged from the hospital, Ruiz continues to endure significant pain from his injuries.
Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story revealed Jones’ troubling criminal history, which includes violent offenses across multiple states. From a SWAT incident in Austin to charges of attempted murder of a peace officer and arson in Colorado, Jones has a record littered with felonies.
In light of Jones’ repeated releases from custody due to incompetence findings, Chief Story underscored the urgency for systemic changes within the justice system. Highlighting the 2016 bail reform in New Mexico, Chief Story emphasized the need for revisiting policies to ensure public safety and prevent individuals like Jones from posing threats to communities.
The bail reform, enacted in 2016, granted judges the authority to determine whether a defendant should be incarcerated pending trial. However, the case of Shane Jones exemplifies the potential shortcomings in the system, prompting calls for legislative revisions to address issues of repeat offenders like Jones being continuously released.
As the community rallies for justice in Ruiz’s case and advocates for a safer environment, the need for a comprehensive review and potential reform of the criminal justice system becomes increasingly apparent. The harrowing experience endured by Michael Ruiz serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of leniency towards individuals with histories of violence and recidivism.