Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Latin Times
Latin Times
Morgan Music

New Mexico Jail Officer Made Inmates Attack Each Other in The Shower, Used Mace on Their Genitals, Police Say

A New Mexico corrections officer is under investigation for allegedly arranging assaults on two mentally ill inmates in the shower.

A New Mexico corrections officer at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center is accused of orchestrating attacks on two mentally ill inmates, according to a report from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office obtained by Albuquerque Journal.

The officer, Nathan Shpiller, allegedly directed other inmates to assault Bruce Davis, 66, and Jeffrey Sandoval, 61, in shower areas, where each endured separate attacks in July. Shpiller reportedly also used mace on Davis' genitals, as documented in security footage obtained by police.

Inmates involved in the attacks suggested that Shpiller may have targeted Davis and Sandoval due to their mental health issues.

"They don't get their medication, and they don't get the help they need, and then things get out of control," said Johanna Sandoval, Jeffrey Sandoval's mother. She added that her son, who has bipolar disorder, needs consistent medication and mental health support that he often lacks in jail.

According to the incident report, Shpiller was observed leading the inmates to shower areas, where other inmates allegedly entered and attacked the victims with broomsticks. In each instance, Shpiller reportedly left the area during the attacks, telling inmates to "show [them] a lesson."

During Sandoval's attack, documents allege Shpiller left him handcuffed and one inmate claims Shpiller said, "If anything were to happen... he was not going to be able to hear."

Shpiller, employed at the detention center since November 2022, is currently on paid leave pending an internal investigation, according to MDC spokesperson Candace Hopkins.

Shpiller has not been formally charged, but a criminal summons for misdemeanor aggravated battery is under consideration.

© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.