The Albuquerque Police Department relaunched the Duke City Case Files. APD created this video series a few years ago to help garner tips in unsolved homicides. Following the initial launch of the series in 2021, the Homicide Unit solved four of the seven cases featured.
The relaunch highlights the September 2021 homicide of 22-year-old Brittany Ramirez. Around 2:00 AM, Brittany was reportedly left outside of Presbyterian Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds, including a gunshot wound to the head. At the time of her death, Brittany left behind a beautiful young daughter who was only two. According to APD, it was almost her daughter’s third birthday. Reportedly, Brittany was pursuing an education in the medical field at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM).
“She just loved to love, and her personality was very outgoing and charismatic… she was everything a mom wanted her child to be,” said Brittany’s mom, Jessica Valdez-Ramirez. “Finally, we need some peace, and capture whoever did this because we need to close this chapter in our life.”
The latest episode, released on April 2, showcases interviews with both the victim’s family. It also features interviews with the APD detectives or command staff handling the cases. Furthermore, it is accessible on all of the department’s social media platforms.
“Families impacted by homicide are often left with many questions and a lack of closure as their case is being investigated, in the midst of grieving their loved one,” said Chief of Police Harold Medina. “In the last few years, we have been dedicated to providing a voice to the families through the Victims Assistance Unit, and these videos are another way we are showing them we care and are committed to solving their case.”
“The return of this cold case series is a beacon of hope for the families of victims and a stark reminder that these cases are never closed,” said Commander Kyle Hartsock of the Criminal Investigations Division. “Even the smallest piece of information, something someone may have dismissed at the time, could be the key to unlocking the truth. We hope Brittany’s case is the first solve we get.”
Each month, APD will feature and release a new case at the beginning. You can find the videos on APD’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
In conclusion, if you have any information regarding the cases mentioned, you can report anonymously to the Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers at (505)-843-STOP. You can also report information online at p3tips.com/531.