APD arrests two for murder of Albuquerque Academy senior
The Albuquerque Police Department have arrested two suspects for the late 2022 murder of Albuquerque Academy senior Jada Gonzales. The shooting happened at a house party.
On Dec. 18, the party turned deadly after five males with firearms were kicked out of the house around midnight, according to a witness.
After receiving reports of gunfire in the area of 5223 La Bajada NW, Gonzales was struck by gunfire. The 18-year-old was transported to University of New Mexico hospital where she later died.
APD has arrested 19-year-old Jesse Parra and a 16-year-old for the murder. Both are being charged with an open count of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, shooting at a building, and tampering with evidence, among other charges.
Police obtained surveillance footage that showed the males enter and leave in a black Dodge Charger. This same vehicle was identified at an aggravated assault later that morning.
The Dodge Charger is registered under Parra's name.
The minor was arrested on Jan. 10 for unrelated charges. While in custody, APD investigators located messages that showed he had referenced shooting at a person, along with a screenshot of a news story on Gonzales' death.
During questioning, the minor admitted to shooting firearms on the night of the December party. Data retrieved from both of their cellphones placed them at the home during the shooting, according to APD.