Albuquerque –
The Albuquerque Police Department has identified the sergeant who was shot and the suspect who shot him during a deadly encounter in Northeast Albuquerque.
Sergeant Brandon Watts was one of several officers who approached the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Anthony Williams, around 1:30 AM on Friday at the Tesota Morningside apartments, located at 3958 Montgomery Blvd. N.E.
As officers attempted to speak to Williams, he quickly produced a handgun and aimed it at officers. Williams shot Sgt. Watts in the leg as several officers returned gunfire and fatally struck Williams.
Williams has a violent criminal history, including crimes he was accused of committing as a juvenile. In 2019, Williams was charged as a 17-year-old in a triple homicide that happened in Valencia County. Authorities allege Williams kicked in the door of a home in El Cerro, south of Albuquerque, and fatally shot three men with a shotgun. In a plea deal, which outraged the victim’s families, Williams entered a plea of no contest on three counts of voluntary manslaughter. Since he was a minor when the crime was committed, he was released upon turning 21. He reportedly served less than five months in juvenile detention.
In 2020, Williams was arrested by the county for battery of another juvenile in the Juvenile Detention Center. It is believed, but not yet confirmed, that Williams may have been transferred out of the Juvenile Detention Center to Metro Detention Center because he was 18.
In 2021, Williams was charged with Felony Battery on a guard at the Metro Detention Center. He was reportedly released from MDC custody in April 2022, when he turned 21.
On January 22, 2025, just two days prior to the shooting, officers were flagged down by residents at the same apartments on Montgomery Blvd. They stated that Williams was wandering around the apartment complex looking someone he described as his girlfriend. Officers said they believed Williams was suffering from a mental health crisis. They offered services and asked if wanted to go to a hospital. But Williams declined.
Officers responded to a similar call early the morning of January 24, 2025 at the same apartment complex. This time, Williams was armed with a handgun, which he produced and used to shoot at officers.
In the release sent to media, APD stated:
“APD’s Internal Affairs Force Division will also investigate the shooting to determine whether the department’s policies were followed. The results of the administrative investigation will be forwarded to the city’s Superintendent of Police Reform to make final decisions on discipline. The Multi-Agency Task Force will forward its case to the District Attorney’s Office to make any determination of criminal charges.”
The release goes on to say APD will release more information in the coming months on this shooting.
It should be of note that the New Mexico Legislative Session is in week two of a 60-day session, and no real strong crime bills have made it to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham’s desk for her signature.
For further information regarding Williams’ previous conviction, please refer to the Valencia County News Bulletin:
Vermin: Exterminated. As it must be in any civilized society.
Well done, APD!
You should visit the NM Holocaust museum one of these days, maybe read some F’n books!
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It’s about time they finally took out the trash. I think everyone is tired of these thugs getting out of jail just to repeat over and over. 3 people dead and he’s walking the streets? WTF is wrong with that picture? Minor or not if you murder, then you die. No life just death. Trash like that has no regard for human life. The democratic judges will coddle these creatures. Bring back the death penalty and use it.
Poster boy for everything wrong with our judicial system. Triple murder and they plea bargain in addition to charging him as a minor. WTF???? Bring back the death penalty and be done with these pieces of shit.
One less psychopath. Thank God.
Actually homicidal maniac.
If we are honest – a vast majority of you continue to vote for these same weak ass judges and even worse DA. For those not up on what your DA is up to – he is lobbying not for harsher punishments…he is lobbying to charge people as juveniles until they are 25 years old. That’s right…if you are 20 years an old and commit a murder he wants to charge you as a child and hold you until you are 25 max – and then expunge your record. It’s his belief that rehabilitation is the answer and not jails. So when some 23 year old scumbag murders your child – just know the DA Will wants to charge him so they are out of jail by 25 years old. Currently some judges are giving good lengthy sentences to the most deserving. Under this DA – nobody under 25 will stay in jail after they are 25. I can also show you arrest records of a 24 year old woman on her 4th – FIRST OFFENSE DUI. That’s right, 4 times she has been charged with it as a first offense and no jail, rehab only. Thanks DA
So glad they are clearing the streets of garbage in Albuquerque!!
Why did he shoot those three men? Did they do something to him to his family?I need more information before passing judgment.
No they did nothing to that p piece of shit nothing at all so he is where he belongs in hell I fell nothing for that devil
It don’t bring my brother back but now he can rest in peace thank god
Yea I was the initial 911 caller on this guy, he threatened to shoot me and my pregnant wife if we didnt let him in, he then proceeded to break my bedroom window open with the intent to fulfill his threats, Im grateful that APD arrived and that this scumbag got what he deserved I hope the families plagued by this scum can rest knowing he failed at spreading his fear and death and never will again. Valencia County failed us
They should give the cop who solved this problem a $10k bonus plus free week in Vegas.
Only in “Tomorrow Land” ran by dems, would a triple homicide felon be allowed to roam free. NM ranks dead last in everything, except for crime. People keep voting for the same thing- “Don’t scold Mijo!”
Unfortunately a prosecutor can only work with the evidence a law enforcement department provides to them. A prosecution of a criminal case, generally begins, when a person(s) calls 911 and that does not involve a prosecutor. Doesn’t really matter if an individual votes or not,,,,,, just saying.
Don’t blame the police, it’s the da and judges that are lenient just saying. Don’t vote democrap. Just saying
JUSTICE SERVED!!!! Rip Nate dawg the menace! My prayers to the Morris’s family!