Chaos erupted in a New Mexico courtroom when the family of a 'murder victim' attacked the suspect during a plea hearing.

Alexander Ortiz was charged with the murder of his 23-year-old ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan, and was arrested in February of last year.

Dramatic footage shows Ortiz being attacked by Farfan's uncle and stepfather on Friday, January 31, at the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque.

The video begins when a man leaps over the courtroom barrier, attacking the suspect, before another man joins the brawl.

The individuals then wrestle on the floor, throwing punches and kicks in a chaotic scene.

The altercation reportedly stopped when a corrections officer pulled out his Taser to intervene.

Local media reported that both attackers, identified as Carlos Lucero and Pete Ysasi, have been charged with felony assault after injuring the corrections officer who protected Ortiz.

Lucero said: 'He killed my niece like a coward.'

Farfan was found dead in her apartment on January 11, 2024.

Authorities said homicide detectives learned from friends and family that Farfan and Ortiz had an abusive relationship and that Ortiz was upset with the victim on the day of the shooting.

A police spokesman added: 'Farfan lived at the apartment and allowed several friends to stay there because she feared being alone, according to a relative.'

Farfan's friends told detectives they heard a single gunshot while Ortiz and Farfan were in her bedroom that evening.

After forcing open the door, they found Farfan with a gunshot wound to her face, and Ortiz had fled through the bedroom window.

Ortiz was arrested on February 21, 2024, after a brief standoff with police. Reports indicate he has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center since then.