Press Release: Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office

CLOVIS, N.M. – The Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office announces that Corey Dixon, 26, has been sentenced to 19 ½ years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections following his conviction for a brutal assault on a fellow inmate at the Curry County Adult Detention Center in June 2021.

 

On April 4, 2025, a Curry County jury found Dixon guilty of Attempt to Commit Murder by Deliberate Killing, a first-degree felony, and Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Prisoner, a second-degree felony. Following multiple post-trial motions delaying sentencing, the Honorable Fred Van Soelen sentenced Dixon on May 22, 2026.

 

At sentencing, the State requested the maximum sentence of 26 years.  The Court imposed a 26-year sentence, suspending 6 ½ years in favor of probation, resulting in a total term of 19 ½ years of incarceration.

 

The convictions stem from a June 3, 2021, attack inside the Curry County Adult Detention Center in Clovis. The victim, 63-year-old inmate Michael Bradley, who was legally blind, suffered catastrophic injuries during the assault.

 

Evidence presented at trial showed detention officers responded to a “code red” emergency after Dixon attacked Bradley inside their shared cell. Officers found Bradley severely injured and covered in blood. Medical personnel documented extensive injuries, including severe head trauma, brain bleeds, and significant injuries to both eyes. Bradley was transported to Plains Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, for emergency treatment.

 

Surveillance video introduced at trial captured Dixon repeatedly punching and choking Bradley, striking him with his walking cane, and stomping on his head while Bradley lay defenseless on the floor. Witness testimony also established that Dixon had expressed anger about sharing a cell with Bradley shortly before the attack.

 

The investigation was conducted by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from detention center staff and medical personnel.

 

District Attorney Quentin Ray and Senior Trial Prosecutor Anthony Jaimes tried the case. DA Ray stated, “This was a deeply violent attack against a vulnerable victim who could not defend himself. The injuries were severe, and Mr. Bradley never fully recovered from the damages he suffered before his passing in December 2024. This 19 ½ year sentence reflects accountability and brings a measure of justice for the victim and his family.”

 

Sandra Gallagher of the Law Office of the Public Defender represented Dixon at trial, and Scott Davidson of Albuquerque represented the Defendant at sentencing.

 

For more information, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at (575) 769-2246.

 

 

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