NMSP NEWS RELEASE
On May 30, 2024, at the Union County District Courthouse in Clayton, NM a jury found Angel Prieto (30), guilty of attempted murder in the 2nd degree and conspiracy to commit attempted murder in the 2nd degree. The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for an hour. Prieto’s sentencing is pending.
Louis McCallister (36) pleaded to charges on May 16, 2024, for his role in the crimes, and faces up to 8 years per charge with sentencing scheduled later.
The case originated from an October 13, 2023, incident at the Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility. Victim Jacob Vandewalle was assaulted by McCallister and Prieto, as captured on video. The attack left Vandewalle unconscious and injured.
Despite initial reluctance from inmates to cooperate, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau (IB) Zone 1 agents conducted a thorough investigation, resulting in the successful prosecution of the defendants. Vandewalle was airlifted to a New Mexico hospital and is expected to survive but faces a lengthy recovery.