Albuquerque –
Today, Sergio Almanza received 25 years in prison for the death of 7-year-old Pronoy Bhattacharya at the River of Lights holiday celebration in 2021. Pronoy’s mother, Deepshikha Chowdhury reminded the judge that “every moment of my day is spent thinking about Pronoy. I want Pronoy to know, wherever he may be, that justice was served today.”
A massive manhunt was underway for Almanza immediately after the incident in 2021 until he was eventually caught. Almanza fled to Mexico before turning himself in more than a month later.
Almanza’s conviction was secured by Special Prosecutors with the New Mexico Department of Justice and today Attorney General Raúl Torrez praised the family for their strength and determination throughout this difficult ordeal. “Pronoy was a special little boy who will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family today and I hope they find some comfort in our steadfast commitment to hold offenders like Sergio Almanza accountable for their actions and to do everything in our power to make this community safe for all our families.”
Pronoy’s family has filed three lawsuits: one against the restaurant that served Almanza, one against the City of Albuquerque, and one against the security company responsible for the River of Lights.
Almanza will be put into the New Mexico Department of Corrections where his 25 year sentence can be reduced by good behavior and him doing various programs to shave off his lengthy sentence.