A long-awaited hazing trial involving a former New Mexico State University basketball player took another turn Monday when the defendant failed to show up in court. The missed appearance prompted a bench warrant and pushed the case into its sixth delay.
Deshawndre Washington was scheduled to stand trial in Las Cruces on charges tied to alleged hazing during NMSU’s 2022-23 basketball season. A judge issued the warrant after Washington did not appear, and KVIA reported that the trial will resume once he is in custody.
The case grew out of allegations involving Washington and two former teammates, Doctor Bradley and Kim Aiken Jr. A report from the New Mexico Department of Justice described a months-long scheme of sexualized hazing that allegedly targeted at least four teammates and two student-managers, while also criticizing NMSU’s oversight and response.
The Case Has Already Been Delayed Repeatedly
Washington’s trial was previously scheduled for May, but the court postponed it after prosecutors disclosed additional evidence that needed to be reviewed by both sides. KFOX14 reported that the case involves 15 felony charges, including criminal sexual penetration and false imprisonment.
Washington has denied the allegations, with his attorney previously characterizing the conduct as consensual horseplay, according to KFOX14. Meanwhile, the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office has continued prosecuting the case after an amended indictment added two false-imprisonment counts involving another former NMSU player, as earlier KVIA coverage detailed.
What Happens After The Bench Warrant
The warrant does not resolve the underlying charges, but it does make Washington’s return to custody the immediate condition for the trial to proceed. The court’s next major step will be determining when he is located and brought back before the judge, with the proceedings otherwise on hold, according to Monday’s KVIA report.
