One of the Suspects Charged in Connection with Death of UNM Student Takes Plea Deal

Albuquerque, NM – Today Jonathan Smith plead guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated battery and tampering with evidence.

Investigators say November 19, 2022 Smith and other UNM students conspired to lure NMSU student athlete Mike Peake onto the UNM campus with the intent to ambush him. They say Smith and other UNM students attacked Peake and gunfire was exchanged. Peake was shot and injured.

UNM student Brandon Travis was killed during the altercation.

Investigators say Smith helped lure Peake onto the UNM campus, but was unarmed during the incident.

Smith faces up to three years of incarceration. Sentencing will be held at a later date.

Cases are still pending with two other suspects.