Jury doesn’t buy self-defense claim

CARLSBAD — A jury returned a guilty verdict in the trial of an Artesia man who said he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot a New Mexico State University student who was home to visit his family.

The jury deliberated two hours Friday before convicting 23-year-old Daniel Aguilera of seconddegree murder in the 2015 killing of Andres Rojo.

Aguilera also was convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in the wounding of Rojo’s brother, Luis.

Prosecutor Ariane Navarrette said Monday at the beginning of the trial that Aguilera was upset about not being invited to a party and that no one else was armed during the confrontation that took place before the shooting.

Defense attorney Gokul Krishna Sripada said Aguilera thought he saw Rojo reach for a gun, and he issued a warning before firing.