Self-defence in the News - No. 51

MMA fighter kills home invader 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/9581170/MMA-fighter-kills-home-invader 

SIOBHAN DOWNES

06/01/2014

Joe Torrez killed one of the four men who broke into 

his house, and put another in the hospital.

A trained mixed marital artist repelled four armed men who attempted to invade his New Mexico home, killing one of them, US authorities say.

The attackers had a knife and shank with them, but Joe Torrez, a 70kg lightwweight fighter with a 1-5 record, managed to gain the upper hand.

"He was fighting for his life," his lawyer, CJ McElhinney, told the Las Cruces Sun-News.

It's not clear what sparked the New Year's Day attack at Torrez' mobile home in Las Cruces, which left another man hospitalised and two more running away in fear.

Before the 2am attack another of the men, Leonard Calvillo, allegedly called ahead to threaten Torrez, telling him, "I'm big Eastside. I'll kill you and your family ... I will go to your house."

Torrez's fiancee and toddler were home at the time, authorities said. The men tossed furniture and attacked Torrez, according to an arrest affidavit, KFOX-TV reported.

A man identified as Sal Garces was found dead at the scene from beating and stab wounds and another received severe facial injuries.

Torrez only endured minor injuries, according to his lawyer.

The remaining two men, who fled the scene, have been arrested on charges of conspiracy, property damage, and aggravated battery.

Torrez could also face charges in the death of the attacker.