Media Release : Ninth Judicial District Attorney’s Office
Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray announced today that 47-year-old Tonekwueme Hamilton has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Jose Sena, which occurred on March 18, 2021, in Clovis, New Mexico.
Hamilton was convicted by a Curry County jury on August 1, 2025, of First-Degree Murder, following a multi-day trial in district court. The jury heard compelling testimony and evidence detailing the violent stabbing that took place outside the Main Street Townhomes.
Clovis Police were dispatched to Townsgate Plaza after receiving reports of an unconscious man in the street. Officers arrived to find Jose Sena deceased with multiple stab wounds to the chest, abdomen, and back. Near his body, two kitchen knives stained with what appeared to be blood were recovered.
As officers canvassed the scene, Hamilton was located outside a nearby apartment. He immediately confessed, stating, “It was me, sir,” and “I stabbed him,” further claiming that Sena had “bragged on killing my brother.” Hamilton was arrested and transported to the Clovis Police Department, where he was interviewed by investigators from the District Attorney’s Major Crimes Unit and gave partial admissions corroborating his participation in the stabbing.
During the trial, Hamilton testified to committing the acts, but said it was in response to the victim entering his home without permission. These statements at trial contradicted statements Hamilton gave to law enforcement during the initial investigation.
Today, the Honorable Judge Fred Van Soelen sentenced Hamilton to life in the New Mexico Department of Corrections.
Chief Deputy Jake Boazman stated
“This sentence reflects the severity and deliberate nature of this violent act. We are grateful to the jury for their service and to our law enforcement partners who worked diligently to bring this case to justice. Our hearts remain with the family of Jose Sena, and we hope today’s sentence brings them a measure of peace.
Our office will always fight for victims and public safety. I commend Deputy Brittany Hudson for her excellent work alongside him in securing both the conviction and this just sentence.”
Hamilton was represented at trial by defense attorney Sandy Gallagher.
