Jury Finds Lerenzo Andrade Legardy Guilty of Child Abuse in the Third Degree

Las Cruces, NM – Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando R. Macias announces that a jury has found Lerenzo Andrade Legardy guilty of Abuse of a Child in the Third Degree following a disturbing incident in which he whipped his stepchildren with an extension cord, leaving them bleeding from welts on their arms and legs.

Although the court ruled that the child victims could not testify during the proceedings, the District Attorney’s Office pressed forward with the case, relying on the compelling eyewitness testimony of the victims’ older brother. His courageous account helped secure the conviction and deliver justice on behalf of his younger siblings.

“Our office is committed to ensuring justice be done and letting a victim’s voice be heard even when they themselves cannot speak,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Spencer Willson.

“We thank the Las Cruces Police Department for their thorough investigation, which allowed us to procure justice for victims of crime in our community,” added Senior Trial Attorney Arthur Van Haselen, who prosecuted the case.

The jury deliberated for only 20 minutes before returning a guilty verdict—an outcome that underscores the strength of the evidence and testimony presented at trial.

“This conviction is a reflection of the teamwork, professionalism, and compassion our staff brings to every case,” said District Attorney Fernando R. Macias. “We remain committed to protecting vulnerable members of the community and holding offenders accountable for their actions, regardless of the obstacles presented during trial.”