Ax-wielding man angry at judge’s ruling threatened to kill her, NM officials say

A man is going to prison after being accused of threatening to kill a judge with an ax, New Mexico officials said.

In April 2024, John Karl O’Brien didn’t agree with Judge Amanda Sanchez Villalobos’ ruling in a civil case, according to an Oct. 23 news release by the New Mexico Department of Justice.

After growing angry, O’Brien went to an Albuquerque law firm and threatened the staff, prosecutors said.

He told the staff he had a gun and that “people were going to die today” before stating he was going to the 13th Judicial District courthouse to “kill” judge Sanchez Villalobos, prosecutors said.

Before driving to the Cibola County courthouse, witnesses saw O’Brien get an ax from the roof of his car, officials said.

An attorney at the law firm reported the threat to the court, and Sanchez Villalobos was kept safe in her chambers by deputies when O’Brien entered the building with the ax, officials said.

He was convicted on felony charges of attempted first-degree murder and threatening a judge Sept. 11, officials said.

He was sentenced to 10½ years in prison and will be required to serve parole following his incarceration, officials said.

Cibola County is about an 80-mile drive west from Albuquerque.