By: ABQ RAW Staff
Posted On: 05/25/2023 @5:30PM
Frankie Esquibel
Albuquerque, NM –
On Friday, May 19, 2023, we provided an update on the ongoing jury trials being handled by the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office for the week of May 22nd, 2023. Among these cases was the trial of Frankie Esquibel, who faced various criminal charges stemming from an incident that took place in April 2022.
Today, May 25, 2023, the jury reached a verdict, finding Frankie Esquibel guilty of multiple criminal charges related to the incident that occurred over a year ago.
On April 14, 2022, Esquibel drove to the staff parking lot of Rio Grande High School. Alert school staffers immediately noticed his presence and they knew that he did not attend that school. Staffers approached him, urging him to leave the premises. However, instead of complying, Esquibel responded with belligerence and he verbally threatened to shoot up the school. Some of his aggressive behavior was captured on video.
The alarmed school staff immediately contacted the authorities, and police were dispatched to the school. As the police arrived, Esquibel fled the scene on foot. A subsequent search of Esquibel’s vehicle revealed a firearm that was easily accessible in the back seat. This discovery added to the severity of the situation, as the weapon was located on school property.
Following a thorough investigation and a trial, Esquibel was found guilty of several offenses. These charges included:
1. Unlawful Carrying of a Deadly Weapon on School Premises (Felony);
2. Assault upon a School Employee (Threat or Menacing Conduct);
3. Assault upon a School Employee (Threat or Menacing Conduct);
4. Assault Upon a Peace Officer (Threatened Battery)
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman expressed his strong stance against guns on school property, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of students and faculty. He commended the jury’s verdict, stating, “Our office has ZERO tolerance for guns on school property. We are thankful a jury believes in making the safety of students and faculty a priority and found Mr. Esquibel guilty of these crimes.”
Frankie Esquibel, now convicted of his crimes, awaits sentencing, which will be determined at a later date.