State District Court Judge Sarah Backus of Taos says she will retire next month.

She became the target of threats after a decision to release the suspects in the Amalia compound case.

Backus was heavily criticized after ruling that pending trial the suspects in the case could be released from jail, amid claims from the prosecution that adults on the compound were training the youths to allegedly use guns in school shootings.

The body of a missing 3-year-old Georgia boy, Abdul Wahhaj, was also found buried at the compound.

Eleven other children were found malnourished at the site.

Many in the community were outraged at Backus’ decision, saying the group was a danger to the community.

The Taos County Courthouse was even closed due to threats of violence.

The case against the five adults was later moved to federal court and the suspects remain in federal custody.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, Backus said in a statement, “I appreciated their support and confidence in me, especially after my controversial ruling last August.”

She was appointed by former Gov. Susana Martinez in 2011.

An independent judicial nominating committee will screen applicants to replace Backus and recommend nominees to the governor who will appoint a new judge.

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