Albuquerque man accused of killing pregnant girlfriend held without bail

An Albuquerque man accused of shooting and killing his pregnant girlfriend will remain in custody until trial. A judge this week granted a motion by prosecutors to keep the man jailed as the case moves forward.

Police said 33-year-old James Candelaria told them he and Destiny Benavidez were drinking at a home on Edith near Gibson when she became upset over another woman. Candelaria claimed he blacked out and woke up holding Benavidez, who was bleeding from her head.

Benavidez was taken to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office plans to charge Candelaria with murder.

On Monday, Judge Emeterio Rudolofo agreed with the state’s motion to keep Candelaria in custody until trial.