New Mexico AG Announces Maximum Sentence for Ax Threat and Attempted Murder

AG: New Mexico Press Releases

Filed October 23rd, 2025

Detected March 21st, 2026

Summary

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez announced that John Karl O’Brien was sentenced to the maximum of 10.5 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder and threatening a judge with an ax. The sentence was handed down by the Cibola County District Court on October 23, 2025.

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What changed

The New Mexico Attorney General's office announced the maximum sentence of 10.5 years for John Karl O’Brien, who was convicted of attempted first-degree murder and threatening a judge with an ax. O'Brien threatened Judge Amanda Sanchez Villalobos in April 2024 after being angered by a civil case decision, and also threatened attorneys and staff at a law firm before proceeding to the courthouse with the weapon.

This case highlights the severe consequences for threats and violence against judicial officials. The sentence underscores the commitment to protecting the integrity of the judicial system. Regulated entities, particularly those interacting with the legal system, should be aware that acts of intimidation or violence against judges and court personnel will result in maximum penalties. No specific compliance actions are required for regulated entities, but this serves as a reminder of the seriousness of such offenses.

Penalties

Maximum sentence of 10.5 years in prison, followed by parole.

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New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez Announces Maximum Sentence for Man Convicted of Attempted First-Degree Murder for Threatening Judge with an Ax

October 23, 2025

Albuquerque, NM – Today, a judge in the Cibola County District Court sentenced John Karl O’Brien, who was convicted last month on two felony charges including attempted first-degree murder and threatening a judge, to a maximum sentence of 10.5 years in prison. O’Brien, who threatened Judge Amanda Sanchez Villalobos with an ax last year, will also be required to serve parole following his release after over a decade of incarceration for his violent actions.

“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s actions and the gravity of threatening a judge,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “The court’s decision to impose the maximum penalty allowed by law underscores our shared commitment to protecting the integrity of the judicial system. I am grateful to our prosecutors and support team for their tireless work to secure justice in this case. Acts of intimidation or violence against members of the judiciary will not be tolerated in New Mexico.”

In April 2024, O’Brien brought an ax into the 13th Judicial District Court building in Grants, NM with the intent to kill Judge Villalobos. O’Brien had reportedly been angry at the judge’s decision in a civil case and, on the day of the attack, first went to a law firm in Albuquerque where he threatened attorneys and staff. He was reported as stating that he had a gun, that “people were going to die today” and that he was going to the courthouse in Cibola County to “kill” the judge. Witnesses at the firm saw O’Brien collect an ax from the roof rack of his vehicle before driving away.

An attorney at the law firm promptly notified the court of the threat. Judge Villalobos was protected in her chambers by Cibola County Sheriff’s detectives and deputies when O’Brien entered the building lobby with the ax.

O’Brien has been held in pretrial detention since his arrest. Additional information regarding O’Brien’s conviction can be found HERE.