'Hopelessly deadlocked': Trial ends with hung jury in 2021 stabbing death in Southeast Albuquerque

Jurors failed to reach a verdict Friday in the trial of a man who prosecutors say fatally stabbed his neighbor at a Southeast Albuquerque apartment complex in 2021.

Jurors voted 8-4 in favor of acquittal before reaching a deadlock in the trial of William “Bill” Nofsinger, 61, who faces a charge of second-degree murder before 2nd Judicial District Judge Stan Whitaker.

Prosecutors describe the killing of Michael Watley, 60, as a “rage killing” during a fight between the two men in which Watley was stabbed 16 times and had his throat slit.

Nofsinger’s attorneys told jurors in closing arguments on Thursday that Nofsinger feared for his life and killed Watley in self-defense.

Prosecutors argued that the extent of Watley’s injuries indicates that Nofsinger was not acting in self defense.

Jurors weigh self-defense claim in 2021 stabbing death prosecutors called 'a rage killing'

Jurors began deliberating late Thursday morning before announcing about 10:30 a.m. Friday that they were “hopelessly deadlocked.”

Whitaker asked the 2nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office to decide within 15 days whether to retry the case.

Assistant District Attorney Stephen Lane said Friday he did not know whether they would do so.

Background

Albuquerque police were called on Sept. 19, 2021, to an apartment complex in the 1300 block of Wellesley SE, north of Gibson, where they found Watley dead outside a laundry room, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Both defense and prosecution attorneys said that the fight began when Watley punched Nofsinger in the head following an escalating disagreement between the men.

Nofsinger’s attorney, Graham Dumas, told jurors Thursday in closing arguments that Watley refused to back off, even after Nofsinger drew out a knife. Nofsinger was backed against a wall and feared for his life, he said.

Prosecutors argued that Nofsinger was infuriated by Watley and determined to kill him with what they described as a hunting knife.