26,000 Fentanyl Pills Seized, Man Arrested in Operation Route 66
On April 10th, agents from the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Luis Flores and seized a backpack containing 26,000 fentanyl pills. This operation was part of the collaborative effort known as Operation Route 66, which includes the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Mexico Corrections Department’s Probation and Parole Division.
Ruiz Gets 40 Years for Abusing 10-Year-Old Family Friend
During the week of April 13, Danny Ruiz, 36, received a 40-year sentence to the New Mexico Corrections Department. This followed his January conviction for crimes committed between November and December 2023, which included three counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Child Under 13, Intimidation of a Witness, and Child Abuse. Ruiz was a family friend of the victim. According to court records, the victim in this case was 10-year-old.
16-Year-Old Detained After Fentanyl Bust During Operation Route 66
In a separate incident during the week of April 13, the large-scale Operation Route 66 led to the arrest and detention of a 16-year-old from Arizona found in possession of more than 25,000 fentanyl pills. Agents from the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office and BCSO Deputies apprehended the teen and Luis Flores after a car chase initiated late last week. Following the crash of their vehicle, the teen allegedly fled on foot with a backpack full of fentanyl before being caught. This week, a juvenile court judge ruled that the teen will remain in custody throughout the judicial process. He is currently held at a juvenile detention facility in Albuquerque. Operation Route 66 is a joint effort involving the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, BCSO, and the New Mexico Corrections Department’s Probation and Parole Division.
Armijo Nabbed in Stolen Vehicle with Large Drug Stash
In an operation on April 15th, agents from the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Reva Armijo in a stolen vehicle. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of a significant quantity of drugs, including 545 grams of methamphetamine, 500 fentanyl pills, heroin, and crack cocaine, as well as a firearm. Armijo faces charges of Receiving or Transferring a Stolen Motor Vehicle, three counts of Trafficking a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy. The state has requested she be held in custody pending trial. This operation was part of the ongoing collaborative effort known as Operation Route 66, involving the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Mexico Corrections Department’s Probation and Parole Division.
Jury Convicts Man Who Ran Over Mother, Attacked Father and Bystander
On April 16th, a jury found Rufino Urquidi Castillo guilty on multiple charges stemming from a violent incident in October 2023. The convictions include Aggravated Battery Against a Household Member (Deadly Weapon and two counts of Great Bodily Harm), Great Bodily Harm by Vehicle (Reckless), Aggravated Battery (Deadly Weapon), and two counts of Battery on a Peace Officer. The incident began when Castillo’s parents, concerned about his intoxication, followed him to a Valero Gas Station. There, Castillo assaulted his father, knocking him down and kicking him, before running over his mother with his truck. He then drove towards bystanders, striking an Applebee’s employee. Castillo further assaulted his unconscious mother by picking her up and dropping her on the concrete and fought with those who tried to intervene. Even after police arrived, he continued his violent behavior by kicking and spitting on an officer. Castillo now faces a potential sentence of up to 21 years in the Department of Corrections.
13-Year-Old Sentenced for Deliberate Killing of Bicyclist/Sandia Labs Scientist
On Thursday, April 17, 13-year-old Johnathan Overbay was sentenced to the maximum penalty allowed under New Mexico law for the deliberate car crash that killed bicyclist Scott Habermehl. Overbay pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and will remain in custody until he turns 21. He was 12 years old when he drove the vehicle that intentionally struck and killed Habermehl.
Investigators state that on May 29, 2024, at 4:40 AM, officers from the Albuquerque Police Department responded to a fatal pedestrian crash at Moon and Aspen in NE Albuquerque. In February, officers recovered social media posts showing three juveniles— 13-year-old Johnathan Overbay, 11-year-old Messiah Hayes, and 16-year-old William Garcia (Garcia was 15 at the time of the incident)—in what police identified as a stolen vehicle.
Police believe the 11-year-old was holding a firearm in the passenger seat, while Overbay was driving and Garcia recorded the incident. Investigators believe the group deliberately struck Scott Habermehl as he rode his bicycle to work at Sandia Labs.
Hayes and Garcia have yet to be sentences for their roles.
You can read our previous coverage on this here. At the bottom of the page for the given URL, you’ll find additional stories about the killing of Sandia Labs scientist Scott Habermehl: https://abqraw.com/post/scumbag-teen-sentenced-in-fatal-deliberate-crash-that-killed-sandia-labs-scientist/
Man Convicted of Child Sex Abuse Material Possession
On April 16th, a jury convicted Robin Cassilda of Possession of Visual Medium of Sexual Exploitation (Child Under 13). The conviction stemmed from a May 2023 incident where Cassilda’s girlfriend reported child sexual abuse material on his computer following a domestic violence call. An investigation led to the discovery of over 102 images of child sexual abuse material extracted from Cassilda’s computer by the FBI. He now faces a potential sentence of up to 11 years in the Department of Corrections.
Rivera-Ramirez Gets Life for Killing Sihui Fang in Robbery
On April 17th, a judge sentenced Jorge Rivera-Ramirez to life in prison plus an additional 18 years for his role in the robbery and murder of Sihui Fang. On January 24, 2022, Rivera-Ramirez and Juan Carlos Hernandez robbed the massage business where Fang worked. Hernandez forced Fang to open the door at gunpoint, and when she tried to escape, she was dragged back inside. After arming herself and shooting in self-defense, both Rivera-Ramirez and Hernandez fired multiple shots at Fang, fatally wounding her.
You can read more about this homicide here: https://abqraw.com/post/second-suspect-identified-in-deadly-massage-parlor-shoot-out-both-now-in-custody/ and https://www.cabq.gov/police/news/apd-arrests-second-suspect-for-homicide-of-sihui-fang-at-massage-parlor
Video Evidence Helps Secure Guilty Verdict in Daytime Murder Case
On April 18th, Andrew Ramirez was found guilty of First-Degree Murder for the fatal shooting of Freddie Litton in a brazen daylight attack captured on surveillance video in November 2023. Ramirez, who had recently been released from prison on burglary charges, now faces a life sentence. The video reportedly showed Ramirez pursuing Litton before opening fire.
You can read more about this homicide here: https://www.cabq.gov/police/news/apd-investigating-serious-injury-shooting-in-se-abq
Woman Convicted for Ordering Son to Shoot Homeless Woman
On April 24th, Kristina Withrow was convicted of Second Degree Murder with a Firearm Enhancement, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm Enhancement, and Tampering with Evidence for the April 2023 shooting death of Monique Garcia. The incident began when Withrow told Garcia, who was homeless, to leave a walkway near her SE Albuquerque apartment, leading to a verbal argument. Withrow then retrieved a gun and ordered her 18-year-old son, Kristian Crespin, to shoot Garcia, who died from three shots fired by Crespin. While Withrow initially claimed to be the shooter, she later admitted to instructing her son. Crespin previously pleaded guilty in 2024 and received a nearly 20-year prison sentence for his involvement. Withrow’s sentencing will occur at a later date.
You can read more about this homicide here: https://abqraw.com/post/mother-and-son-charged-in-brutal-murder-of-homeless-woman-in-front-of-apartment-complex/ and https://www.cabq.gov/police/news/apd-arrests-woman-charges-son-for-mondays-fatal-shooting
Salais Guilty After Claiming to Be Witness, Fleeing Scene
Also on April 24th, Tristan Salais was convicted of Second Degree Murder and Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle for the December 2022 death of 50-year-old Jessie Lovato near Montano and Rio Grande. Lovato was found deceased in his vehicle after it crashed into a wall on his way to work; first responders discovered he had been shot in the neck. Salais initially claimed to be a witness but fled the scene. Surveillance video and social media evidence later connected him to the murder. His sentencing will occur at a later date.
You can read more about this homicide here: https://abqraw.com/post/murder-suspect-detained-twice-then-released-by-police-finally-caught-by-u-s-marshals/ and https://www.cabq.gov/police/news/suspect-charged-and-arrested-for-december-road-rage-murder-near-montano-bridge
Teen Accused in Fatal Shooting Involving His Mother to Remain in Custody
On April 29, a judge ordered that a 17-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting Richard Powell will remain in custody. Police believe the teen and his mother were both involved in the crime. Investigators say the pair shot Powell multiple times last week as he tried to prevent them from entering his girlfriend’s apartment in southeast Albuquerque.
The teen is currently on parole for a separate out-of-state offense. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case to determine whether to charge him as an adult.
Teen Accused of Killing Father of 7 in Road Rage Incident to Remain in Custody
On April 29, a judge ordered a 17-year-old boy to remain in custody after prosecutors charged him with the shooting death of Jose Gonzales. Investigators say the teen shot Gonzales in the head while Gonzales was driving near Eubank and Copper on September 15, 2024.
Surveillance footage and phone records reportedly link the teen to the crime. Police arrested him last week. He currently faces a First-Degree Murder charge.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case to determine whether to try him as an adult.
Final Defendant in Murder of Albuquerque Academy Student Pleads Guilty
This week, 21-year-old Jesse Parra pleaded guilty for his role in the 2022 shooting death of 18-year-old Jada Gonzales. He admitted to Shooting at a Dwelling or Occupied Building (Resulting in Death), Conspiracy to Commit Shooting at a Dwelling or Occupied Building (Resulting in Death), and two counts of Tampering with Evidence.
In December 2022, Parra and a group of teens showed up uninvited to a house party in northwest Albuquerque after finding the event on social media. After partygoers kicked them out for posing with firearms, the group returned and opened fire on the home from a car. One bullet struck Gonzales in the abdomen, killing her. Investigators say Parra drove the vehicle and positioned it so the shooters could fire at the house before fleeing the scene.
Earlier this year, a judge sentenced Cruz Medina—16 at the time of the shooting—to 24 years in prison. In September, Isaiah Espinosa, also 16 and the shooter who killed Gonzales, received a 29-year sentence. Jesse Barrios, who was 18 and recorded the crime on his phone, was taken into ICE custody last month.
You can read more about this homicide here: https://abqraw.com/post/albuquerque-academy-student-identified-as-homicide-victim-from-deadly-weekend-party/ and https://abqraw.com/post/apds-homicide-unit-investigating-second-homicide-in-less-than-12-hours/ and https://abqraw.com/post/apd-arrests-two-murder-suspects-with-edgar-haircuts-for-the-killing-of-academy-high-student/
Jury Convicts Man of Killing Three in 2023 Triple Homicide
On April 30th, a jury found Thomas Clark Jr. guilty of three counts of Second-Degree Murder for a deadly shooting that took place in August 2023. Prosecutors say Clark shot and killed Jonathan McGaughy and Genea Oliver while sitting in a car with them in the parking lot of an apartment complex near Zuni and Wyoming. He then stepped out and shot Randy Lovett, who was standing outside the vehicle.
After the shooting, Clark fled the scene and climbed onto the roof of a nearby building, where officers later found and arrested him.
PATREON MEMBERS CAN SEE EVEN MORE FROM THE SCENE HERE: www.patreon.com/posts/88555561
After an 8-day trial, jurors deliberated for less than an hour before delivering the guilty verdict. Clark now faces up to 60 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department.
You can read more about this homicide here: https://abqraw.com/post/triple-homicide-within-international-war-zone-district-discovered-early-this-morning/ and https://abqraw.com/post/update-drug-deal-gone-wrong-results-in-triple-murder-in-war-zone/ and https://abqraw.com/post/man-arrested-for-triple-murder-in-abq-international-war-zone/
[…] On April 10th, agents from the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Luis Flores and seized a backpack containing 26,000 fentanyl pills. This operation was part of the collaborative effort known as Operation Route 66, which includes the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, the New Mexico State Police, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Mexico Corrections Department’s Probation and Parole Division. More Here […]