New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas has named the widow of a murdered Rio Rancho police officer to taskforce reviewing the state's criminal justice system.
Balderas said Wednesday that Julie Benner, the wife of the late Gregg "Nigel" Benner, will join the Violent Crimes Case Review Team.
Authorities say Benner was shot and killed by 28-year-old Andrew Romero during a traffic stop last month in the Albuquerque suburb. Romero was a repeat offender who critics say slipped through the justice system before his encounter with Benner.
Earlier this month, Balderas said circumstances that led to Romero's release will be part of an inquiry by his office.
Balderas previously announced his intention to complete a case review analysis to address problems with the state's criminal justice system.
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