New Mexico State Police Arrests and 16 Year Old Charged with Murder

Photo byNMSP

Police homicide detectives have charged a 16-year-old Rio Rancho teenager with the murder of an Albuquerque man.

The suspect was booked in the Juvenile Detention Center for charges of murder, aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property, and three conspiracy charges related to the alleged crimes.

On August 25, 2024, New Mexico State Police officers in Hobbs conducted a warrant round-up. The event resulted in the arrest of the following individuals, who were then booked into the Lea County Detention Center.

The teen is accused of fatally shooting 37-year-old Christopher Sanchez in front of his home. A group was trying to steal his truck before Sanchez intervened.

Police are asking the public to help locate a white or silver SUV. It is possibly a Ford Escape model between the years of 2008 and 2012, according to the Albuquerque Police Department.

Law enforcement are still searching for other suspects involved in the homicide and attempted auto theft. Police detectives are actively investigating the murder.

He was arrested by state police SWAT in Rio Rancho. Albuquerque police detectives were able to identify him with help from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.

• Matthew Martinez, 53, Battery upon a Police Officer

• Cody Garcia, 28, Battery on a Healthcare Worker

• Autumn Smith, 27, Interference with Communications

• Arelth Gonzalez, 21, Larceny over $500

The New Mexico State Police encourages those with outstanding warrants to take this opportunity to address their legal matters voluntarily. By doing so, they can avoid unexpected visits from law enforcement to arrest them on their warrant. Those with outstanding warrants are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the appropriate court to inquire about the necessary steps to resolve their cases.

New Mexico State Police arrest armed robbery suspect in Santa Rosa. NMSP officers located and arrested a fugitive from justice, who had an active felony warrant for armed robbery out of Texas.

On August 27, 2024, New Mexico State Police received information that Damian Gomez (20) had an active warrant for armed robbery out of Bexar County, TX. Officers were able to positively identify Gomez at a residence in Santa Rosa and were able to take him into custody without further incident. Gomez is awaiting extradition back to Texas.

Officers from New Mexico State Police, Espanola Police Department, Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office and Adult Probation Office teamed together on a retail theft operation held Friday August 23, 2024, that resulted in 6 arrests.

The joint operation was held between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in an effort to target retail crime offenders in the Espanola area based on the areas most impacted retail stores. Loss prevention personnel were also on hand to assist in identifying offenders.

In just 3 hours, officers made 6 arrests. Retail theft has become a growing issue in the Espanola area and more joint operations are planned for the near future to combat this ongoing problem.