Podcasts about Albuquerque Police Department

This week on the podcast, we explore what the end of federal oversight at the Albuquerque Police Department means for the city.Today's episode features the parents of a man who Albuquerque Police shot and killed on April 12, 2011, when two plainclothes detectives killed 27-year-old Christopher Torres, shooting him three times in the back in his family's backyard. Since that day, his parents, Steve and Renetta Torres, have been prominent voices in the push for reform at APD. Executive Producer Jeff Proctor recently met with the Torres's to talk about what they lost 14 years ago, and to get their perspective on the decade-plus of trying to clean up the department that killed their son.Host: Lou DiVizioCorrespondent: Jeff ProctorGuests: Renetta Torres, Son Killed by APD in 2011Steve Torres, Son Killed by APD in 2011  

On February 2nd, 2009, Christine Ross was walking her dog, Ruca, in the West Mesa area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, when they found human remains. When the site was fully searched and excavated, the remains of eleven women were found and identified: Veronica Romero, Doreen Marquez, Michelle Valdez, Virginia Cloven, Monica Candelaria, Jamie Barela, Victoria Chavez, Syllannia Edwards, Julie Nieto, Evelyn Salazar, and Cinnamon Elks. Their cases remain unsolved.   Investigators with the Albuquerque Police Department believe that the cases of eight additional women who went missing from the area around the same time may be related. Their names are Anna Vigil, Felipa Gonzalez, Shawntell Waites, Nina Herron, Vanessa Reed, Jillian Ortiz Henderson, Martha Jo Lucher, and Leah Peebles.   If you have any information about any of these women, please call Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP. Listen to Leah Peebles' case on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Listen to Aubrey Dameron's case on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. For more information about the podcast and the cases discussed, visit VoicesforJusticePodcast.com   Follow us on social media: Twitter: @VFJPod Instagram: @VoicesforJusticePodcast TikTok: @VoicesforJusticePodcast Facebook: @VoicesforJusticePodcast   Voices for Justice is hosted by Sarah Turney Twitter: @SarahETurney Instagram: @SarahETurney TikTok: @SarahETurney Facebook: @SarahETurney YouTube: @SarahTurney     The introduction music used in Voices for Justice is Thread of Clouds by Blue Dot Sessions. Outro music is Melancholic Ending by Soft and Furious. The track used for ad transitions is Pinky by Blue Dot Sessions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lou DiVizio introduces the first podcast episode of 2025 with headlines from around the state. That includes a ruling from the State Supreme Court prohibiting counties and cities from restricting access to abortion. Then, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor interviews U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez during what will likely be his last days on the job as Donald Trump prepares for a second term in the White House. In their wide-ranging discussion, Jeff asks Uballez about the investigation into alleged corruption within the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI Unit, the root causes of crime, the concept of justice and his larger vision for the office as Uballez prepares to step aside. Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Alexander Uballez, U.S. Attorney, District of New Mexico  

Nineteen-year-old Anastasia Ferreira, affectionately known as "Stasia" by those closest to her, was the kind of person who couldn't help but be noticed. Though Anastasia stood just around 4'11", her personality loomed large, making her impossible to overlook. She was a vibrant force of nature to her family: a ball of energy with a heart big enough to embrace everyone she encountered. As a child, Anastasia was a daredevil, fearlessly climbing swing sets to the highest bar and filming herself spinning on ceiling fans. Her loved ones remember her as adventurous and bold, someone who constantly pushed boundaries and wasn't afraid to stand up for herself. Yet, beneath that fearless exterior was a young woman shaped by early childhood trauma and a relentless desire for stability in a chaotic world.In mid-March 2023, Stasia vanished without a trace from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The details surrounding her disappearance are as perplexing as they are devastating. One moment, Anastasia was engaging with friends and posting on social media; the next, she was gone, leaving her family in a state of agony, desperately searching for answers in the face of her sudden and unexplained absence.Upon learning that Anastasia was missing, her family began searching the streets of Albuquerque for clues about what may have happened to her. They began hearing a flurry of stories that seemed conflicting. Nearly two years later, they are still sifting through the puzzle pieces they have gathered, hoping that the truth will come into focus.If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Anastasia Ferreira, please call the Albuquerque Police Department at 505-242-2677.If you have a missing loved one that you would like to have featured on the show, please fill out our case submission form.Follow The Vanished on social media at:FacebookInstagramTwitterPatreonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a text*NOTE: I had issues with the mic at the very end, so this audio is without the reaction from me and MarsBars. We will recap next episode. Also, the audio quality is poor due to the extraction techniques of the Albuquerque Police Department; feel free to extract yourself and make HQ. I'd even appreciate it!Step into the chilling heart of one of Albuquerque's darkest mysteries - the West Mesa Murders. In this exclusive podcast series, we delve deep into the case where the remains of eleven women were discovered buried in the desolate expanse of Albuquerque's West Mesa in 2009. For the first time ever, gain access to unreleased audio and video directly from the Albuquerque Police Department. This exclusive content offers listeners an unprecedented look into the investigation, providing insights into the clues, the missteps, and the relentless pursuit of justice.Our journey through this haunting case will not only explore the grim details but also humanize the victims, many of whom were marginalized or involved in sex work, often overlooked by society. We'll examine the theories, from a single serial killer, infamously known as the "West Mesa Bone Collector," to darker possibilities involving sex trafficking networks.Join us as we navigate this somber narrative, armed with never-before-heard audio and video evidence, in search of truth, closure, and remembrance for those who were lost on West Mesa.Support the showWebsite with podcast embed player, news links, latest YouTube episodes, and Rumble links: https://cosmicmarauder33.wixsite.com/the-cosmic-showCALL INTO THE SHOW AND LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR NEXT TIME! 1-505-337-0631 If you are not subscribed to the Rumble, you are missing more than HALF the show!https://rumble.com/c/CosmicRadioTwitter: LastAnalogHero @freejerry88Support Buzzsprout+ here!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1826246/supporters/newCheck out my Locals for exclusive livestreams and podcasts!: https://thecosmicshow.locals.com/Hope is Eternal

Ep. 61 Lawful but awful? Unjustified? The Deputy Sean Grayson – Sonya Massey incident: a breakdown with Drew Breasy, host of The Comm Center and Daniel Carr of Police Law News. We are covering this together because this is a tough one and it requires thoughtful and thorough analysis. Both Drew and Daniel are returning guests. As many of you know, Drew retired as a lieutenant after serving 29 years with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Daniel recently retired from the Albuquerque Police Department where he served for 20 years. He also holds a law degree. You'll see where Daniel, Drew and I land on this one. To recap: On July 6, 2024, two deputies with the Sangamon County, IL Sheriff's Office were dispatched to Sonya Massey's home based on her 911 call of a possible prowler on her property. Deputy Sean Grayson and another responding deputy searched her property as well as nearby properties and found no prowler. They then contacted Sonya Massey to let her know their findings. It became clear to them that she was potentially experiencing mental health issues. They also had questions about a car with broken windows that was on her property. Both deputies entered the home. During their conversation, they asked her to turn off the pot of boiling water that was on her stove. As she moved toward the stove, she picked up the pot and said to Grayson, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Body cam shows her throw the pot at Grayson who sees this as a deadly threat or the threat of great bodily harm and uses deadly force.There are many elements to this case that have caused great debate. Did she actually throw the water? Was deadly force justified? Much of this is exacerbated by other factors: Grayson had not turned on his body cam until after the shooting. His manner in issuing commands to drop the pot and his post-shooting behavior are questionable including delaying the rendering of aid.As I say at the top of the episode, this one is tough. But before making my own decision as a civilian, I wanted to walk through it with Drew and Daniel, both of whom have covered this extensively. I encourage you to check out this episode of The Comm Center with Drew Breasy and Jonathan Bates during which they cover the 911 calls by Sonya Massey's mother on July 5th and then the Grayson/Massey July 6th incident including body cam footage. Drew also has covered it on his own social media. And I encourage you to check out Daniel Carr's coverage on his Police Law News content on social media and especially this Substack article. You can find Drew and Daniel on all social media. Here are their IG handles:@whatsaydrew@policelawnewsCheck out my prior interviews with both Drew and Daniel!!Thanks for listening to On Being a Police Officer. YOU are what keeps me going.Find me on my social or email me your thoughts:Instagram: on_being_a_police_officerFacebook: On Being a Police OfficerYouTube: Abby Ellsworth ChannelAbby@Ellsworthproductions.com

This week on the podcast, Lou DiVizio updates you on some statewide headlines including news Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will be speaking at the DNC in Chicago Tuesday night. Then, two advocates examine a recording that captures APD officers using racial slurs and violent language, taken moments after police shot and killed a 30-year-old man. Daniel Williams of the ACLU of New Mexico tells Executive Producer Jeff Proctor why that recorded conversation is indicative of the “culture of aggression” at the Albuquerque Police Department. Tiffany Jiron of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women talks to Jeff about the troubled history with APD and the city's Indigenous community. Host: Lou DiVizio Segments: Racist Remarks by Officers and APD's ‘Culture of Aggression' Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Daniel Williams, Policing Policy Advocate, ACLU of New Mexico APD's Troubling History with Indigenous Community Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Tiffany Jiron, Executive Director, Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women For More Information: New Mexico Downwinders Push for National Recognition - NMiF Camera captures APD officers using racial slurs, espousing violence at scene of fatal police shooting – Albuquerque Journal NMiF on Youtube  NMiF on Instagram  NMiF on Twitter   

This week on New Mexico in Focus, Executive Producer Jeff Proctor interviews U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez about the federal investigation into alleged corruption at the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit. Uballez sheds some light on the process of the investigation and Proctor asks why the U.S. Attorney took the unusual step to confirm the investigation earlier this year in letters to the city's police chief and district attorney.  Host: Lou DiVizio Correspondent: Jeff Proctor Guest: Alexander Uballez, U.S. Attorney, District of New Mexico For More Information: Prominent attorney says he took DWI corruption allegations to FBI – Source New Mexico  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

It has been called possibly the biggest police corruption case in Albuquerque; an alleged scheme linking officers within the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit and a local defense attorney. News 13 has learned federal investigators are looking into accusations that officers were getting paid to get DWI cases dismissed. This week, members of the KRQE Investigates team break down what we've learned so far about this investigation, including how officers may have mishandled DWI cases. How does money come into play? How are officers and the defense attorney linked? Ann Pierret shares what she and Curtis Segarra, KRQE's Investigative Digital Data Reporter, have learned from the numbers. Gabby also shares more about the bombshell recording from her recent reporting that reveals how the alleged scheme may have worked.  Watch Ann's story about Honorio Alba letting a drunk driver get a ride home Watch Gabby's story involving a recording about jewelry & an $8500 guarantee Read related KRQE investigative reports about the APD-DWI investigation  We appreciate our listeners. Send your feedback or story ideas to hosts chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter (X), Facebook, & Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.  

When the rules of engagement change on the streets, what happens to the guardians keeping the peace? Sean Willoughby, president of the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, steps into the spotlight to shed light on the stark realities of police reform under DOJ consent decrees. Through Sean's lens, we uncover the consequences these changes have wrought on the Albuquerque Police Department: a rise in officer-involved shootings, strained budgets, and a workforce grappling with the chasm between theory and practice.As we peel back the layers of oversight, Sean's story unveils the paradox of deescalation policies leading to more fatal encounters, and the mounting pressures on officers to comply with often burdensome reforms. The narrative moves us through the city's law enforcement ecosystem, revealing the complexities of balancing constitutional protections against federal intervention and the intricate dance of local governments funding investigations into their own police forces. This episode is a wake-up call to consider the efficacy of DOJ decrees, the cultural shifts within police departments, and the broader implications for public safety.You can watch the video version of this podcast here. fEXfnt3ZGqKPhoEXpXPBZuY5hYzi8MYe78bjqVvbJoin Our Tribe of Courageous Leaders: Get The BookGet Weekly Articles by Travis YatesJoin Us At Our WebsiteGet Our 'Courageous Leadership' TrainingJoin The Courageous Police Leadership Alliance

With Krysty away on business  we navigate the stormy seas of law enforcement's integrity in the face of a brewing scandal at the Albuquerque Police Department. Former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White steps in, bringing his seasoned perspective to a conversation that pierces the veil of public trust. Together, we tackle the jaw-dropping allegations of bribery among APD officers—a crisis that threatens the very fabric of community relations and sends shockwaves through the judicial system.This episode not only casts a spotlight on individual accountability but also scrutinizes the shadows that loom over departmental leadership and the political arena. The thread of corruption weaves its way into the upcoming mayoral election, with APD's Chief Medina squarely in the crucible of public opinion. The involvement of attorney Thomas Clear further complicates the narrative, as we question the integrity of past court cases and the long-term implications for justice. Darren White's insight illuminates the fallout, charting a course through the murky waters where political ambition often eclipses public service.As our provocative discourse expands beyond city limits, we dissect the contentious issues at the US southern border, diving into the thick of national security, immigration politics, and the unheard voices of Border Patrol agents. We then confront a chilling and enigmatic tragedy—the peculiar deaths at a Kansas City Chiefs watch party, raising more questions than answers about the intersection of drugs, hypothermia, and the pursuit of truth in complex criminal investigations. Engage with us through these layered narratives, where the search for clarity demands our unflinching attention and unwavering dedication to the communities we serve.Website: https://www.nodoubtaboutitpodcast.com/Twitter: @nodoubtpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoDoubtAboutItPod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markronchettinm/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

This week on the podcast Lou DiVizio details some headlines from around the state, including a new report detailing continued failures at the state's Children Youth and Families Department. Then, Lou sits down with Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman to discuss the federal investigation into possible corruption within the Albuquerque Police Department's DWI unit. Bregman responds to concerns from residents in a state that's been troubled by drunk drivers for decades. Finally, we rejoin correspondent Gwyneth Doland at the Roundhouse. Legislation is slowly starting to move through the Capitol, as Democratic leaders get a handle on what from the governor's agenda could be viable in their chambers. This week, Gwyneth speaks with House Speaker Javier Martinez and Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth for an update on the bills in front of them.  Host: Lou DiVizio DA Sam Bregman on APD Federal Investigation Correspondent: Lou DiVizio Guest:  Sam Bregman, District Attorney, Bernalillo County  State Democratic Leaders on Child Safety Bills, Balancing State Budget  Correspondent:  Gwyneth Doland  Guests:   Rep. Javier Martinez (D), House Speaker  Sen. Peter Wirth (D), Senate Majority Speaker  For More Information: Four members of APD DWI unit added to DA's list of untrustworthy officers - City Desk ABQ Albuquerque police lieutenant, officers being investigated by FBI identified - Albuquerque Journal --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nmif/message

The Albuquerque Police Department is nearing a decade of reform efforts under a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice. The DOJ released findings of its investigation into APD in 2014, the same year the department came under intense scrutiny for police use of force and officer-involved shootings. This week on the podcast, Chris & Gabby discuss the years-long reform efforts with APD's Chief, Harold Medina. Today, APD says it is very close to meeting its goals for a reformed police department by DOJ's standards. What does the reform process look like behind the scenes? How has the department and culture overall changed in the last decade?  Here is a link to the full April 2014 news conference where the Department of Justice announced its findings in its investigation of APD. Here's a link to the full October 2014 news conference where APD and the DOJ announced a joint settlement agreement. To read the Department of Justice's full findings letter in its APD investigation, click here. KRQE News 13 has extensive reporting of the DOJ's findings and settlement agreement on it's YouTube channel. Much of it can be found at this link. **A special note: This episode of the New Mexico News Podcast was produced and recorded ahead of the department's recent announcement of several officers being placed on leave amid a new federal investigation aside from the department's reform efforts. We appreciate our listeners. Send your feedback or story ideas to hosts chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter (X), Facebook, & Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

The DOJ will now allow the Albuquerque Police Department to begin to examine its own use of force investigations, but why did it take this long to accomplish this goal on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we talk with a man, who's not just a dedicated crusader against the cartel violence, but also someone who's been part of this silent war for years - Alex Marentes Alex has sailed through diverse roles, growing up in Juarez, serving in the Marines, and finally, dedicating three decades to the Albuquerque Police Department. His personal experiences have not only honed his understanding of the cartels' influence but also instilled in him the commitment to unveil the shocking realities that many choose to ignore.In this immersive conversation, we shed light on the brutal violence that the cartels are well known for and the shocking depths of corruption within law enforcement that is often kept under wraps. We journey through the intricate web of cartel operations and the unflinching efforts to expose their violence and corruption. We also engage with a former DEA agent, who takes us through her time in Mexico, the challenges of reporting on cartels, and the vital importance of educating others about this grim situation. As we navigate through the terrifying stories that lay bare the power and reach of the cartels, we understand their control over drug distribution and their coordination of drug trafficking across borders.As we steer towards the end of our journey, we examine the strategies proposed by presidential candidates to combat the Mexican cartels and discuss potential solutions to this dire issue. We navigate through the vast network that runs a cartel and the devastating impact it has on both Mexico and the United States. The conversation underscores the need for strong leadership and addressing the source of the drugs. Join us on this enlightening journey as we unveil the dark underbelly of the cartels and their profound impact on both sides of the border.#borderlandbeat #immigration #drugs #cartels #New Mexico #police #juarez #Border #Website: https://www.nodoubtaboutitpodcast.com/Twitter: @nodoubtpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoDoubtAboutItPod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markronchettinm/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

We sat down with Mark Aragon and Nick Layman, the creators of Albuquerque Raw - a fiercely independent platform that puts a spotlight on crime across the Albuquerque Metro area. Join us as we unravel their journey, their transition from covering local events to crime, and what sparked this shift. We also tackle the challenging task of reporting accurate crime statistics and the intriguing discrepancies between their data and that of the Albuquerque Police Department.It's a gritty conversation that takes us further into the intricacies of homicide reporting and its profound impact on the city. We discuss the evolving role of public information officers (PIOs), exploring the fundamental change in their approach to disseminating information. Our guests underscore the significant role alternative media outlets like ABQ Raw play in relaying accurate and timely information. As we venture deeper into the discussion, we dissect the fluctuating crime numbers, potential reasons behind their decrease, and the speculated link between crime, open borders, and property crime.Our conversation doesn't stop there. We also scrutinize the Department of Justice's intervention in the Albuquerque Police Department, examining its influence on crime rates and officer morale. We evaluate the leadership in the APD, specifically Chief Harold Medina, and its effect on the current crime situation. As we round off our chat, we expose the hurdles that media outlets face in crime reporting, stressing the need for transparency. More importantly, we express our hope for a future where leaders prioritize direct communication with the public. Are you ready to confront the raw reality of crime in Albuquerque? Plug in and listen up!#Crime #APD #Media #ABQRaw #ABQ #NewMexico #Drugs #Safety #Backtheblue #Police Website: https://www.nodoubtaboutitpodcast.com/Twitter: @nodoubtpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoDoubtAboutItPod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markronchettinm/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

The Albuquerque Police Department has come a long way since 2014. That year, the U.S. Department of Justice announced findings of its investigation that claimed APD engaged in “A pattern or practice of use of excessive force, including deadly force, in violation of the Fourth Amendment.” This week, Chris & Gabby host Damon Martinez, New Mexico's U.S. Attorney during that time. Martinez discusses his role in APD's early reform efforts, what he's been up to since then, and why he wants to take on a new role in the local criminal justice realm. How has policing changed in the last decade?  We appreciate our listeners. Send your feedback or story ideas to hosts chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter (X), Facebook, & Instagram at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM. For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our podcast website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

Pepita Redhair was a happy, fun, sweet woman who had everything going for her. She had a loving family behind her, she was enrolled in University with dreams of becoming a teacher or an engineer; Pepita was going places. But all of that changed when she vanished in March of 2020. Her family was frantic - where did she go and why did no one seem to care? Her boyfriend was evasive (he still is to this day) and law enforcement was falling back on the horrible cliches we see far too often - "She's allowed to be missing", "she's probably out on a bender", "don't worry about it". But her family was worried. Where was their sweet girl? How can a promising young woman vanish off the face of the earth? If you have any information about the disappearance of Pepita Madalyn Redhair, who has been missing from Albuquerque, New Mexico since March 27, 2020, please contact the Albuquerque Police Department at (505) 242-2677, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety - Missing Person Hotline at (800) 457-3463, you can call in an anonymous tip at 505-843-STOP, or you can email the Attorney General's Office at mmiwr@nmag.gov. Sources: Uncovered Never Seen Again, Season 4, Episode 9 – Pepita Redhair, A Daughter Stolen (on Paramount+) Facebook Page

Enjoy this episode of Crimelines and Consequences and subscribe in your favorite podcast app! Pepita Redhair was reported missing by her mother in March 2020, at the beginning of shutdowns. The case was slow to get started and three years later, her family is still asking where is Pepita? At the time she went missing, Pepita was 27 years old, 5'1", and 140 lbs. Indigenous woman with brown hair and brown eyes. Pepita has notable tattoos: a moon on her left leg, a butterfly on her shoulder, a dinosaur on her right forearm, her last name "Redhair" somewhere on her body, and either a koi fish or dinosaur on her left forearm. If you have any information, please contact the Albuquerque Police Department at (505) 242-2677 or the New Mexico Department of Public Safety - Missing Person Hotline at (800) 457-3463. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pepita Redhair was reported missing by her mother in March 2020, at the beginning of shutdowns. The case was slow to get started and three years later, her family is still asking where is Pepita? At the time she went missing, Pepita was 27 years old, 5'1", and 140 lbs. Indigenous woman with brown hair and brown eyes. Pepita has notable tattoos: a moon on her left leg, a butterfly on her shoulder, a dinosaur on her right forearm, her last name "Redhair" somewhere on her body, and either a koi fish or dinosaur on her left forearm.If you have any information, please contact the Albuquerque Police Department at (505) 242-2677 or the New Mexico Department of Public Safety - Missing Person Hotline at (800) 457-3463.

We start off the program with News Radio KKOB's Brandon Vogt as he analyzes important crime data recently released by the Albuquerque Police Department. News Radio KKOB's Terri Travis is a huge fan of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, so she sat down with Sam Parks, executive director of the Fiesta to discuss the upcoming event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2009, the bodies of eleven women were uncovered in a New Mexico desert, all of whom had been missing for multiple years. As police investigated the possible connection in the cases, multiple suspects popped up on their radar. Known as one of the most notorious and disturbing cases in New Mexico history, these are the West Mesa Murders. BONUS EPISODES Apple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-west-true-crime/id1448151398 Patreon: patreon.com/goingwestpodcast CASE SOURCES 1. All That's Interesting: https://allthatsinteresting.com/west-mesa-murders2. City of Albuquerque Police Department: https://www.cabq.gov/police/contact-the-police/west-mesa-homicide-investigation3. KOAT: https://www.koat.com/article/west-mesa-murders-new-mexico-13-years-later/389644204. Albuquerque Journal: https://www.abqjournal.com/community-data/west-mesa-murders5. Syllania's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78230119/syllannia-terene-edwards6. Street Safe New Mexico: https://streetsafenm.wordpress.com/2017/11/18/why-its-called-the-war-zone/7. Monica's Obituary: http://obits.abqjournal.com/obits/print_obit/1980958. KOAT: https://www.koat.com/article/west-mesa-victim-laid-to-rest-1/50310169. Doreen's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/134036816/doreen-marquez10. Monica's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40296055/monica-candelaria11. The Charley Project: https://charleyproject.org/case/victoria-ann-chavez12. Victoria's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75186057/victoria-chavez13. Veronica's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40555189/veronica-c-romero14. Veronica's Obituary: http://obits.abqjournal.com/obits/print_obit/19725915. Medium: https://medium.com/@yasminscherrer/not-nameless-remembering-the-victims-of-the-west-mesa-bone-collector-321e2187f98e16. Jamie's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78222826/jamie-catalina_yvonne-barela17. Jamie's memorial page: https://www.weremember.com/jamie-barela/2l6w/memories18. KOAT: https://www.koat.com/article/mother-of-missing-woman-seeks-answers/502969819. Evelyn's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/179033144/evelyn-jesus_maria-salazar20. Syllannia's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78230119/syllannia-terene-edwards21. Websleuths forum on Syllannia Edwards: https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/victim-syllannia-edwards.283805/22. La Prensa: https://laprensa.org/memories-jaime-selena-smiles-and-serial-murder23. Virginia's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99491001/virginia-ann-cloven24. The Real Story: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Girls-of-the-Mesa/dp/B072L1MRRN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JRNQRT76KXC9&keywords=the+real+story+with+maria+elena&qid=1680198210&sprefix=the+real+story+with+maria+elena%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-125. KOAT: https://www.koat.com/article/family-worries-daughter-is-among-west-mesa-victims/502969726. KOAT: https://www.koat.com/article/police-id-woman-found-on-west-mesa/502961627. Cinnamon's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/231093469/cinnamon-elks28. Julie's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40555365/juliean-cyndie-nieto29. Julie's obituary: http://obits.abqjournal.com/obits/print_obit/19725430. ABQ Journal: https://www.abqjournal.com/534884/families-wait-for-a-place-to-remember.html31. Michelle's Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40555025/gina-michelle-valdez32. Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Albuquerque/comments/vh277b/so_we_are_all_in_agreement_that_lorenzo_montoya/33. El Paso Times: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/blogs/border-cafe/2014/02/17/police-persons-of-interest-in-albuquerque-serial-murders-investigation/30957179/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Thomas shopped at the Walmart at 301 San Mateo Blvd. SE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, every week for roughly three years up until six months ago.He began to see more people stealing items from the store. Sometimes, he saw shoppers physically attacked.So when Walmart said last month that it would be closing the store, Thomas wasn't surprised.It's "very sad," he told Insider, because there aren't many retailers with stores in that part of Albuquerque. But it is "expected," he said.The San Mateo Boulevard store is set to close on March 10 after opening in July 1985, according to Walmart spokeswoman Lauren Willis. The store has 287 employees, all of which are eligible to transfer to another store in the area. Walmart did not answer questions about whether crime rates at the Albuquerque location were responsible for the decision to close it. But Albuquerque police officers had their hands full with the store in the past year. The Albuquerque Journal reports that 708 calls were made requesting police service at or near the store in 2022."There is no single cause for why a store closes," Willis told Insider. "We do a thorough review of how a store performs and weigh many factors before making the difficult decision to close a facility."She added that the Albuquerque Police Department "has been a great partner and we are extremely appreciative of their efforts to combat crime at this store."Support the showSign Up For Exclusive Episodes At: https://reasonabletv.com/LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos every day. https://www.youtube.com/c/NewsForReasonablePeople

"The Albuquerque Police Department has arrested Solomon Pena, an unsuccessful Republican candidate for the House District 14 seat in the South Valley, in connection with the shootings at local Democratic politicians' homes, the police chief announced Monday afternoon," Albuquerque Journal --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/politicsdoneright/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/politicsdoneright/support

A trial, three sentences, and another murder. Jessica Kelley and Michelle Martens both took plea deals for their role in Victoria's murder but Fabian Gonzales took his chance in the courtroom. Jessica Kelley testified for the prosecution and Michelle Martens for the defense.  What really happened in apartment 808? If you have any information about the murder of Victoria Martens please contact the Albuquerque Police Department at (505) 242-COPS or (505) 242-2677 or the Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers at Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers (crimestoppersnm.com) Least of These | Facebook Least of These Podcast Discussion Group | Facebook Least of These (@least_ofthese) • Instagram photos and videos Get your episodes ad free at:  Least of These is creating A True Crime Podcast | Patreon

Leah Peebles was 23-years-old and had just moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico when she disappeared in May 2006. Leah had spent much of her adult life struggling with addiction; moving from Fort Worth, Texas all the way to Albuquerque was supposed to have been a fresh start for her. Leah's father, John Peebles, launched his own investigation after his daughter's disappearance, canvassing the city and questioning witnesses about his daughter's whereabouts. What he discovered about Leah's life in Albuquerque was that it had not been a fresh start, but rather a spiral into the dark underbelly of the city's drug trafficking and sex work scenes. In 2009, the discovery of the West Mesa Murders prompted investigators to attempt to match one of the eleven sets of remains to Leah Peebles... but none were a match. It has now been more than sixteen years since Leah disappeared. Albuquerque Police Department: (505) 768-2020 RAINN: 1-800-656-4673 SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357 _________________________ Patreon Request a Case YouTube Channel Goodpods: Leave a review! Podchaser: Leave a review! Music: "Poisoned Rose" by Aakash Gandhi _________________________ Sources: • "A Father's Quest." Disappeared. Season 4, Episode 3. • Leah Peebles | Disappeared Blog • Leah Peebles | NAMUS • Leah Rachelle Peebles | The Charley Project • West Mesa Murders | Albuquerque Journal

The Albuquerque Police Department has arrested a man who it believes is behind the fatal shootings of four Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico, over the last year -- including three who were killed in the last few weeks. Among those killed were a young man from Pakistan who was a rising star in local government as well as a local business owner. The shootings sparked fear in Albuquerque's Muslim community, some of which said they were scared to even go outside. Muhammad Syed, 51, has been charged in two of the deaths, and investigators believe he is connected to the other two.Support the show

If you've shopped in the Albuquerque-metro area anytime in the last few years, you've probably noticed at least a few security changes at most big box stores. Whether its more security guards, police officers or even camera trailers with flashing blue and red lights, a lot of New Mexico's supermarkets, pharmacies and other stores have increasingly been targets for brazen shoplifting. In the summer of 2021, the New Mexico Attorney General's Office announced it would target this issue, calling it "organized retail crime," while dispelling the idea that the suspects are "just petty thieves." So is that new approach making shopping safer? Investigative Reporter Ann Pierret joins Gabby and Chris on the podcast to discuss her recent KRQE News 13 Investigation, featuring a ride-along with agents from the AG's Office and the Albuquerque Police Department.  What's on your mind? Like something we did? Got an idea for an episode? Let us know. Email us at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. We're also on Twitter at @ChrisMcKeeTV and @gburkNM.  For more on this episode and all of our prior episodes, visit our website: KRQE.com/podcasts.

In the second of what will be a handful of “special” episodes of Tipping Point NM, Paul sits down with congressional candidate Michelle Garcia Holmes. Michelle is a Republican former Albuquerque Police Department officer running in New Mexico's revised 1st District with a primary battle to be decided by voters on June 7. Based on recently redrawn maps, this district could be highly competitive for Republicans looking to unseat Democrat Rep. Melanie Stansbury. The Foundation has reached out to Stansbury with an invitation to sit down as well.

Pepita Redhair, 27 years old, left home in the Crownpoint Community in New Mexico to visit her boyfriend living two hours away in Albuquerque in March 2020. A member of the Navajo Nation, Pepita was close to her family and was always responsive when it comes to phone calls and texts. When she stopped responding to messages three days later, her family knew immediately something was terribly wrong.Pepita Redhair is 5'1", 141 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. She also has two beauty marks on her chin. In addition, she has a dinosaur tattoo on her right forearm, a koi fish on her left forearm and a butterfly on one of her shoulders. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Pepita Redhair, please contact the Albuquerque Police Department at (505)242-2677. Links to information found for this episode:‘I Am Her Voice,' Sister Says Of Missing Indigenous Woman Pepita Redhair | Missing | Investigation DiscoveryAmid attention on Petito case, Native mother seeks justice | ReutersWhere is Pepita Redhair? Her family searching for answers (koat.com)New Mexico Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Task Force Report | NIWRCPepita Redhair has been missing since March 2020. Her mom, Anita King, wants answers. - The LilyMissing woman's family has been searching for answers for more than a year | WBAL NewsRadio 1090/FM 101.5Native families hope session brings justice for missing and murdered kin | Local News | santafenewmexican.comBringing more attention to missing and murdered Indigenous relatives - Source New Mexico (sourcenm.com)Native American mother speaks out on missing 27-year-old daughter (koat.com)Pepita Madalyn Redhair-missing from Albuquerque, New Mexico since March 27, 2020-"She may have been seen panhandling on 2nd Street & Freeway as recently as May 2020." : SavetheNextGirl (reddit.com)Navajo Nation (Dineh) (newmexico.org)The Long Walk: A tragedy unobserved 150 years later | Local News | santafenewmexican.comThe Long Walk to Bosque Redondo | History | Smithsonian Magazine

In this episode, Lindsey and Tiffany are discussing some interesting cover-up cases (not to be confused with what is worn over a bathing suit to the beach or a pool). Tiffany starts us off with the saddening cover-up of Laquan McDonald which brings the ladies of Luminol Cocktail to discuss the involvement of police corruption and the abuse of power when yielding a gun. Lindsey wraps up this episode with the maddening cover-up of Mary Han, a lawyer who fought against the Albuquerque Police Department. All in all, we think police reform is necessary! Additionally, Lindsey apologizes for using the term ‘committed suicide' since the recording of this episode she has gained insight on those words and now knows it should be referred to as ‘death by suicide'. Lindsey is sipping on a southern gentleman of a drink called a Jameson whiskey sour apple fizz for this episode with the recipe located on the website. Plenty of more content and information about Luminol Cocktail's patreon can be accessed through the First Responder's Unit links below! Facebook Instagram Website --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/luminol-cocktail/support

Today I am discussing the case of missing 23-year-old Leah Peebles. In 2006 Leah moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico looking for a fresh start. But just a few weeks after she made the move, she disappeared. When her father, John Peebles, made the trip to New Mexico to search for her himself, he discovered a world of crime he'd never experienced before. Despite recognizing the danger he was putting himself in and receiving a death threat himself, he dug deeper into the world he was convinced his daughter was trapped in in hopes of bringing her home.   Leah Peebles went missing from Albuquerque New Mexico on May 22nd, 2006 at the age of 23. She would be 38 years old as of recording this episode and might be going by the name Maya. She is a white female, 5'4', 105lbs, with blue eyes and brown hair that she cuts and colors a lot. She has a few tattoos including a scroll flower design on her upper back and a Celtic cross on her lower back.   Anyone with information is urged to call the Albuquerque Police Department at 505-242-2677. Sexual Assault Resources: US: RAINN Hotline- 800-656-4673 Canadian Hotlines Listed by province/territory: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/sexual-abuse-other-places-to-get-help.aspx Australia: The National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line- 1800 737 732 UK: Confidential Emotional Support Hotline (they address a variety of topics including substance abuse and trauma) 01708 765200 Addiction and Mental Health Resources: US: SAMHSA Hotline- 1-800-662-4357 Canadian Hotlines Listed by province/territory: https://www.ccsa.ca/addictions-treatment-helplines-canada Australia: National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline- 1800 250 015 UK: Confidential Emotional Support Hotline (they address a variety of topics including substance abuse and trauma) 01708 765200   For more information about the podcast and the cases discussed, visit VoicesforJusticePodcast.com Don't forget to follow me on social media under Voices for Justice Podcast & SarahETurney Join the Patreon family to get instant access to a library of extra content, support the show, and support these cases https://www.patreon.com/VoicesforJustice Voices for Justice is a podcast that uses adult language and discusses sensitive and potentially triggering topics including violence, abuse, and murder. This podcast may not be appropriate for younger audiences. All parties are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Some names have been changed or omitted per their request or for safety purposes. Listener discretion is advised.  The introduction music used in Voices for Justice is Thread of Clouds by Blue Dot Sessions. Outro music is Melancholic Ending by Soft and Furious. The track used for ad transitions is Pinky by Blue Dot Sessions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Albuquerque Police Department is losing officers at a record pace, BV suggests ways to keep them on the job on News Radio KKOB

The first of nine event podcasts to let provide you an insiders perspective of what will be happening on each day at Balloon Fiesta! Today, it its opening day at the 49th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! This podcasts will include insights from Balloon Fiesta's President of the Board of Directors Matt Guthrie, the Event's Executive Director Paul Smith, Public Safety Director Sean Wallace and the Albuquerque Police Department's Lt. Michael Meisinger. Also, this podcast will provide you an exclusive preview of today's opening ceremonies. A lot of ground to cover, you will need to listen fast! Websites mentioned in this episode include: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta https://balloonfiesta.com Balloon Fiesta Ticket Information: https://balloonfiesta.com/Purchase-Tickets Balloon Discovery Center https://balloonfiesta.com/Balloon-Discovery-Center Balloon Fiesta Chainsaw Carving https://balloonfiesta.com/Chainsaw-Carving Balloon Fiesta Entertainment Schedule https://balloonfiesta.com/Entertainment-Schedule Balloon Fiesta Artisans https://balloonfiesta.com/Artisans Balloon Fiesta Concessions https://balloonfiesta.com/Concessions Visit Albuquerque https://www.visitalbuquerque.org New Mexico True https://www.newmexico.org

Erik Meek is currently a detective at the Albuquerque Police Department. His new venture, Black Hammer Designs,  displays his creative side and pursuit of acquiring new skills. He designs and builds furniture and does custom laser work. Erik gives a lot of insight into living a life of duty, service, creativity, and commitment.https://www.instagram.com/blackhammerdesigns/Erik's Websitehttps://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackHammerDesignsSupport the show (https://www.apolloroad.com/#/portal/signup)

Bob talks with Shaun Willoughby, President of the Albuquerque Police Department Association about comments made by Tryna Verbeck, wife of wounded police officer, Mario Verbeck.

Sean Willoughby of the Albuquerque Police Department discusses what Phoenix should expect with the DOJ Civil Rights investigation into the Police Department.

Red Nation Rising is the first book ever to investigate and explain the violent dynamics of bordertowns. Bordertowns are white-dominated towns and cities that operate according to the same political and spatial logics as all other American towns and cities. The difference is that these settlements get their name from their location at the borders of current-day reservation boundaries, which separate the territory of sovereign Native nations from lands claimed by the United States. Despite this rich and important history of political and material struggle, little has been written about bordertowns. Red Nation Rising marks the first effort to tell these entangled histories and inspire a new generation of Native freedom fighters to return to bordertowns as key front lines in the long struggle for Native liberation from US colonial control. This book is a manual for navigating the extreme violence that Native people experience in reservation bordertowns and a manifesto for indigenous liberation that builds on long traditions of Native resistance to bordertown violence. Guests: Jennifer Nez Denetdale (Dine' Nation), professor of American Studies at the University of New Mexico and serves on the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, and David Correia, associate professor of American Studies at the University of New Mexico, and organizes with AbolishAPD, a research collective focused on confronting the violence of the Albuquerque Police Department and committed to the abolition of police as we know it. American Indian Airwaves regularly broadcast Thursdays from 7pm to 8pm (PCT) on KPFK FM 90.7 in Los Angeles, CA; FM 98.7 in Santa Barbara, CA; FM 99.5 in China Lake, CA; FM 93.7 in North San Diego, CA; FM 99.1 KLBP in Long Beach, CA (Thursdays 5pm-6pm); and WCRS FM 98.3/102.1 in Columbus, OH. Click here for archived American Indian Airwaves programs on the KPFK website within the past 60-days only or click on (below) after 8pm for today's scheduled program. Soundcloud Apple Podcast Google Podcast iHeartRadio Spotify Podcast Stitcher Podcast Tunein Podcast

Today we interview two contributing authors of Red Nation Rising, the first book ever to investigate and explain the violent dynamics of bordertowns. Bordertowns are white-dominated towns and cities that operate according to the same political and spatial logics as all other American towns and cities. The difference is that these settlements get their name from their location at the borders of current-day reservation boundaries, which separate the territory of sovereign Native nations from lands claimed by the United States. Despite this rich and important history of political and material struggle, little has been written about bordertowns. Red Nation Rising marks the first effort to tell these entangled histories and inspire a new generation of Native freedom fighters to return to bordertowns as key front lines in the long struggle for Native liberation from US colonial control. This book is a manual for navigating the extreme violence that Native people experience in reservation bordertowns and a manifesto for indigenous liberation that builds on long traditions of Native resistance to bordertown violence. Tune in for more. Guests: Jennifer Nez Denetdale (Dine' Nation), professor of American Studies at the University of New Mexico and serves on the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, and David Correia, associate professor of American Studies at the University of New Mexico, and organizes with AbolishAPD, a research collective focused on confronting the violence of the Albuquerque Police Department and committed to the abolition of police as we know it.

Challenges within the Albuquerque Police Department are creating a flow of officers retiring, transferring, or leaving the department. Bob talks with Shaun Willoughby about the issues officers face today.

The Albuquerque Police Department is holding a gun buyback event on Saturday. Guest host Jared Hart lays out why gun buybacks don't work and takes your phone calls on News Radio KKOB.

This week we're taking a look at the unsolved West Mesa Murders. If you have any information regarding this case or the missing persons cases of the other women mentioned in this episode, please contact the Albuquerque Police Department at 1-877-765-8273 or (505) 768-2450, or Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP. You can also email information to Detective Denice Myers at dmyers@cabq.gov or Investigator Ida Lopez at ilopez@cabq.gov. Drink of the Week: Easy Squeezy Raspberry Lemonade Cider from Two Towns Cider House Prickly Pearadise Prickly Pear Cider from Two Towns Cider House Resorces: https://www.abqjournal.com/community-data/west-mesa-murder-victims https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/west-mesa-murders-bone-collector-serial-killer https://www.cabq.gov/police/contact-the-police/west-mesa-homicide-investigation Contact: boosandbloodshed@gmail.com IG: @boosandbloodshed --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week we're taking a look at the unsolved West Mesa Murders. If you have any information regarding this case or the missing persons cases of the other women mentioned in this episode, please contact the Albuquerque Police Department at 1-877-765-8273 or (505) 768-2450, or Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP. You can also email information to Detective Denice Myers at dmyers@cabq.gov or Investigator Ida Lopez at ilopez@cabq.gov. Drink of the Week: Easy Squeezy Raspberry Lemonade Cider from Two Towns Cider House Prickly Pearadise Prickly Pear Cider from Two Towns Cider House Resorces: https://www.abqjournal.com/community-data/west-mesa-murder-victims https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/west-mesa-murders-bone-collector-serial-killer https://www.cabq.gov/police/contact-the-police/west-mesa-homicide-investigation Contact: boosandbloodshed@gmail.com IG: @boosandbloodshed --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

BECOME A PRODUCER! http://www.patreon.com/themidnighttrainpodcast   Find The Midnight Train Podcast: www.themidnighttrainpodcast.com www.facebook.com/themidnighttrainpodcast www.twitter.com/themidnighttrainpc www.instagram.com/themidnighttrainpodcast www.discord.com/themidnighttrainpodcast www.tiktok.com/themidnighttrainp   And wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.   Subscribe to our official YouTube channel: OUR YOUTUBE Picture the scene: It's a beautiful day outside, you're walking your dog and soaking in the sunshine, it's relatively peaceful and quiet, and you're enjoying your time out with your dog. What could possibly ruin this moment. Well what if your dog started acting strange, pulling you towards a spot in the dirt. He keeps pawing at it and won't leave it alone. Eventually he unearths a bone. No big deal you find animal bones all the time on your walks. But this bone seems different, it's too long, too big to be an animal bone. You get kind of creeped out. But has that feeling completely ruined the moment, maybe not yet but it's about to get worse. On a whim you decide to take a picture of the bone and send it to your sister who is a nurse. Your good time is officially ruined when your sister confirms your suspicions, the bone is, in fact, not animal, it's human. A human femur to be exact. This is the exact scenario that led to the discovery of one of the, if not the, largest crime scenes in American history and a series of crimes that would as of yet, go unsolved.   Christine Ross was the unfortunate soul that came across the body in the scenario described at the outset of the episode. She was walking her dog Ruka in an area that had recently been cleared out for a new neighborhood to be built. After the bone was found she called the police and that's when things get crazy! So let's get further into this story!   The West Mesa is an elevated landmass lying west of the Rio Grande stretching from south of Albuquerque northward to Bernalillo in the state of New Mexico. A large portion of West Mesa is part of Petroglyph National Monument and is bisected by Interstate 40 and Historic Route 66. There are numerous subdivisions with new homes being built on the lower portion of the West Mesa as the City of Albuquerque continues to expand further to the west. Further west on the mesa are the mobile home communities of Pajarito, located to the south of I-40, and Lost Horizon, located about 1/2 mile north of I-40. The bodies of 11 women and one unborn child would be uncovered in West Mesa. It would take a year to identify all of the victims. Police would follow many leads but to no avail. We're going to look at the victims then discuss the most likely suspects and evidence did them being there killer and even discuss how this may be connected to a small sex trafficking ring that could be part of a larger global ring!   The story may start earlier than you think. In the early 2000s, in an area called The War Zone, a tumor began to spread about a killer in albuquerque. There were stories of a killer roaming the streets and murdering sex workers. The war zone is an area now known as the international district. It is one of the most diverse areas of the city. It is also one of the poorest areas in the city and has a high crime rate. A 1991 article from the Albuquerque Journal described East Central as "a loose-jointed carnival of sex, drugs and booze" with drug dealers and prostitutes operating openly. In 1997, the city put up barricades in the neighborhood to make it harder for criminals to get in and out. Eventually, thanks in part to efforts by neighborhood residents, the crime rate decreased and the barricades were removed. In 2009, residents who resented the War Zone name persuaded city leaders to officially re-brand the area as the International District, highlighting its diverse community rather than crime. The first International Festival was held later that year. Despite these changes, crime has continued to be an issue in the neighborhood.    It was here in 2004 that Cinnamon Elks, a sex worker that often worked in the war zone, came to hear a crazy story. She had told her friends there was a dirty cop murdering and decapitating sex workers and burying their bodies on the West Mesa. Soon after she related this story she disappeared.    Years before the bodies are found, police detective Ida Lopez found that a number of sex workers were going missing. She began to compile a list, which included Cinnamon Elks, and began to try to bring notice of the issue to light. Lopez had a list of 16 women that had gone missing. When the body's were found Lopez feared the bodies were the same women on her list. She was partially correct, 10 of the 11 women identified we in fact on her list.    For homicide investigators, the case posed challenges from the start, said Dirk Gibson, a communications and journalism professor at the University of New Mexico who has authored numerous books on serial killings. Years had passed from the time the women and girls disappeared, probably limiting available evidence.   “You can’t have a colder cold case,” Gibson said. “In this case, there was almost nothing but bones.”   Let's take a look at the victims. All but one of the women were sex workers from New Mexico. Many were known to live hard lives. Several were mothers. None of them deserved what happened to them.    Jamie Barela, 15, was last seen with her 23-year-old cousin Evelyn Salazar heading to a park at San Mateo and Gibson SE in April 2004. Neither woman was ever seen again until their bones turned up in the mass grave site on the West Mesa in 2009. Jamie was the final skeleton to be identified, almost a year after the first bone was found. But Jamie’s mom believed investigators would find her daughter’s body long before she was named. Unlike the other West Mesa victims, Barela had no known prostitution or drug arrests.   Evelyn Salazar was reported missing on April 3, 2004, by her family. She was 23 when she disappeared. She was the 10th victim to be identified, and her 15-year-old cousin Jamie Barela was the final one to be identified. The two were last seen together at a family gathering and then went to a park at San Mateo and Gibson. Salazar liked camping and outdoor activities, was a good cook and taught her daughter how to roller skate, according to her obituary.   Michelle Valdez: The last time Dan Valdez saw his daughter Michelle, he asked her to not stay away too long. Michelle Valdez had a daughter who she cared for deeply, and had a big heart, Dan Valdez said. “Michelle was quite a gal, she would give you the shirt off of your back if you needed it,” he said. “She was good-hearted, kind, and didn’t deserve what she got.” He said he couldn’t remember exactly when she got involved with drugs. But she started disappearing for days, sometimes a week at a time. Later it turned to months. When she did show up, he would give her small sums of money — even though he knew she would use it on drugs — in the hopes that she would come back again. Eventually, she stopped altogether. Dan Valdez reported her missing in February 2005, when she was 22. Her bones were the second set to be identified in late-February 2009 after investigators started digging for bodies. They also discovered the remains of Michelle Valdez’s 4-month-old unborn baby. Michelle had dreamed of one day being a singer, her mother said, or maybe a lawyer like her aunt. “Drug addiction certainly wasn’t the lifestyle she wanted,” Jackson said. “She wanted help, but she didn’t have money or insurance, so it was very hard for her to get it.”    Veronica Romero was 27 when she was reported missing by her family on Valentine’s Day 2004.   Her family laid her to rest in July 2009 after her body was one of the 11 unearthed. “We’re putting her to rest finally, but considering what’s been done, and now we’re finding out more of what’s happened to her, and it’s sad,” family member Desiree Gonzales told KOB-TV at the time. “She was hurt real bad.”    Julie Nieto grew up in Albuquerque’s South Valley and Los Lunas, and loved chile peppers and jump rope. She later went to Job Corps, which teaches under-priveleged young people different professions. Her mom, Eleanor Griego, said Nieto started doing drugs when she was around 19. She tried to get her treatment to no avail. Griego says she last saw Nieto, then 23, in August 2004 at Griego’s dad’s house. She left behind a young son, who Griego said she had doted over. Two years after Nieto went missing, her sister Valerie Nieto was found dead in a motel on Central Avenue after overdosing. “She couldn’t handle it. She was depressed all the time, crying all the time,” Griego said. “That was the only sister she ever had.”    Doreen Marquez loved jewelry and fashionable clothes and had a huge personality, according to her friends and family. She went to West Mesa High School where she was a cheerleader, and later had two daughters who she was devoted to, throwing them extravagant birthday parties. But as the girls got older, Marquez’s boyfriend was jailed and she turned to drugs. She spent less and less time with her daughters, leaving them with her sister or other family members.   “I had kicked her out of my house. That was the last time I saw her,” Julie “Bubbles” Gonzales, Marquez’s sister, said in an interview last year. “I just told her, ‘You know, it’s better if you just go. Whenever you feel like you’re not going to use, or you just want somewheres to come and eat, shower, or whatever, my door is open.’ And she never came back.” Garcia said the last time she saw Marquez, she told her she could help her deal with her addiction. But Marquez refused. Unlike many of the other women whose bones were found on the West Mesa, Marquez didn’t have any prostitution arrests. But police believe she engaged in it nonetheless.   When Diana Wilhelm didn’t hear from her daughter on her birthday in August 2004, she knew something was wrong. But it would take nearly five years for police to confirm what Wilhelm already believed — her daughter Cinnamon Elks was dead. Elks, who was 32 when she went missing, was the third of the West Mesa victims to be identified after the first bone was found in early 2009. She, like many of the others, had a string of prostitution and solicitation arrests — 19 total, with 14 convictions. She was friends with at least three of the other victims — Gina Michelle Valdez, Victoria Chavez and Julie Nieto.   Syllannia Edwards stands apart from the other West Mesa victims. She had no known friends or family, and was a runaway from foster care in Lawton, Okla. Edwards, who was 15, was the only African American victim. She never knew her father, and last saw her mother when she was 5. Police believe she may have been a “circuit girl,” meaning she was traveling along the I-40 corridor as a prostitute. Early in the investigation, a tipster told investigators Edwards was seen in Denver in the spring and summer of 2004. The tipster said she had been at a motel on East Colfax Street in Denver. “They were high-prostitution areas,” then-APD spokeswoman Nadine Hamby said in 2009. Police believe she may have been travelling in a group. “We’ve received information that Syllannia was associated with three other females and that she may have gone by the aliases Chocolate or Mimi,” Hamby said. Early on, investigators hoped Edwards’ background, because it’s different from the other victims, would provide the details needed to crack the case.   Virginia Cloven grew up in a small trailer heated by a wood-burning stove in Los Chavez. She was funny, loved doing her makeup and was a favorite at school. Tragedy struck the family when she was in high school. Her brother was shot and killed in a homicide that would later be ruled self-defense. Virginia Cloven ran away from home a week later, when she was 17. Another brother ran away too. “They said they couldn’t stand it anymore,” Robert Cloven said. At first Virginia Cloven lived with her grandfather in Albuquerque, then moved in with a boyfriend. He got hit by a car and went into a coma, and soon Virginia Cloven had lost her home and was living on the streets of Albuquerque’s International District. One year, she called her dad asking what he wanted for his birthday. He asked her to clear up her citations and then they were supposed to meet in Albuquerque. They last heard from her in June 2004. She called to say she had a new boyfriend who had just gotten out of prison and that she was probably going to marry him. “We said we’d like to meet him, but we never heard from her again,” Robert Cloven said in 2009. “After that, everything just went dead.” Robert Cloven reported his daughter missing four months later, in October 2004. She was 23 at the time.   Victoria Chavez, 26, was the first woman whose bones were identified after they were found on the mesa — before the public learned the women were likely murdered by a serial killer. “To have them come and knock on my door, I was devastated,” stepfather Ambrose Saiz said at a memorial event in 2009. “I never thought it would end like this. I just had that hope.” Chavez’s mother reported her missing in March 2005 after she hadn’t seen her in more than a year. The mother also said in the missing persons report that Chavez was on probation and was a “known drug user and prostitute.” She had five prostitution convictions, according to court records.   Sheriff’s deputies investigating the disappearance of Monica Candelaria in 2003 heard from her friends that she had been killed and buried on the mesa. It turns out, those friends were right. When the 21-year-old never showed up, detectives turned it over to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office cold case unit. The case stayed cold until she was identified as one of the women found on the mesa in 2009. She was last seen near Atrisco and Central in Southwest Albuquerque. Deputies said she lived a “high-risk lifestyle” and may have had gang ties. She had been convicted of prostitution once, according to court records. But her obituary highlights a happier side. “Monica enjoyed laughing, joking, taking care of babies, and spending time with her family,” the obituary reads. “She will be remembered as a loving daughter, mother, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend who will be truly missed.”   11 women who all list their lives too soon. Most likely in a terrible manor. The police have not revealed the causes of death of the women. It was difficult to figure out how the women died and they are keeping that nugget to themselves to use as a gage of the beauty of claims and tips.    After several years of nothing some suspects started popping up. Some  actually fit the profile very well. Even still no official suspects have been named. Here's a look at some of the suspects that police have checked out.    Lou Fred Reynolds, who police said was a pimp, died of natural causes on Jan. 2, 2009. Police found pictures of several West Mesa victims at his home but no physical evidence linking him to the murder. Reynolds, of Albuquerque, was arrested in 2001 and in 1998 on suspicion of promoting prostitution. Reynold was supposedly very focused on some of the West Mesa victims back when they were still missing. Lori Gallegos and Amy Reid both have connections to the mystery. Reid's sister and many friends started to disappear around the same time. Gallegos's close friend Doreen Marquez vanished in 2003. Gallegos said her search led her to Reynolds who supposedly ran an escort service. "When I met Fred Reynolds I wasn't looking for a suspect of a murder case at that point I was looking for my friend that was missing," said Gallegos. In October 2008, he showed her pictures of Doreen. He also had photos of missing women he claimed he was looking for. "He told me he was a former heroin addict himself and this was the reason he wanted to help the women that worked for him, he wanted them to have a good life," said Gallegos. Reynolds passed away a couple months later from health complications. What came as a surprise to Gallegos was Fred Reynolds was one of the names initially mentioned as a person of interest in the case. Reid who also knew Reynolds and considered him a friend. She said there is no way he was involved. "He wasn't violent and he wasn't abusive and he wasn't in anyway a killer," said Reid. Reid said Reynolds was someone who truly cared about the missing women and wanted to help find them.   Another really suspect was Ron Erwin. Erwin has a connection to I've of our previous episodes. He is a photographer from Joplin Missouri. Erwin fell under a cloud of suspicion in the serial murders case investigators from New Mexico showed up at his properties in Joplin armed with search warrants. In the first interview he has granted about the matter, Erwin told the Joplin Globe he does not know how he became a suspect in the case, only that the experience has resembled a nightmare. “There’s an old ‘Twilight Zone’ episode,” Erwin said, “where a man wakes up to the world he’s always known and suddenly nobody recognizes him and he’s running around trying to say, ‘Don’t you remember me? I’ve known you for 40 years,’ and all this.   “Well, that’s what my life’s been in that time,” he said during the interview at the office of Joplin attorney Phil Glades.   “I don’t know how it all got to that stage before it suddenly exploded that morning,” he said. “I don’t know.” Erwin spent the better part of a year trying to prove his innocence behind the scenes. He hired lawyers in Joplin and New Mexico to advise him, even though he has never been charged with the murders, and he declined all interview requests.Erwin went to Alexandria, Va., in December to have the polygraph exam administered by former FBI polygrapher Barry Colvert. Glades said Colvert determined that Erwin was not being deceptive in his answers regarding the West Mesa murders. The results of that exam were provided to Albuquerque investigators a few months later when they asked, as a last request, if he’d be willing to take a polygraph. While no real reason was given to the public about why Erwin was a suspect, it is said that he was seen often at the fair in Albuquerque where the women were known to frequent and men were known to pick up prostitutes. Erwin and his attorneys provided the Globe with a copy of the final page of an Albuquerque police report dated June 26 of this year that concludes: “Ron Erwin is not a viable suspect in the killing of the 11 victims located at the 188th Street S.W. site.”   The paragraph specifies dates in 2004 when victims Veronica Romero, Evelyn Salazar and Jamie Barela are known to have disappeared. The report states that detectives were able to verify that Erwin was in Joplin on both the day that Romero vanished and the day Salazar and Barela turned up missing.   “I believe there weren’t too many specific dates in this case, but those were two of them,” Erwin said. “And I was able to account for all my days in 2004.”    “Why he was a suspect — that’s all in sealed warrants, that’s still part of our pending investigation,” said Sgt. Tricia Hoffman, spokeswoman for the Albuquerque Police Department, in a phone interview. “But, at this point, we’ve been able to eliminate him as a viable suspect.”    So at least they know who didn't do it.    Scott Lee Kimball  is a convicted serial killer from Boulder County, Colorado. He is serving a 70-year sentence after pleading guilty in 2009 to the murders of 5 people. All four victims died between January 2003 and August 2004, while Kimball was on "supervised release" after a prior check fraud conviction, serving as an FBI informant. In December 2010, Kimball told a cousin that he had been proposed as a suspect in the West Mesa murders in New Mexico, which were committed during the same 2003-2005 time period. He denied involvement. Even though he's denied involvement, he has boasted about committing other murders although authorities have yet to uncover direct evidence to back up his claims.    Another suspect, and one of the most viable ones was Lorenzo Montoya, we say was as he was killed while in the act of committing another murder. When Lorenzo Montoya was killed in 2006, the bodies of the West Mesa victims had not yet been found. Police Chief Ray Schultz said at the time that police had been looking into him in connection to prostitutes who had vanished from the city.   He has since been named as a possible suspect in the West Mesa deaths.   That’s likely because, like another possible suspect Joseph Blea, who we'll get to in a bit,  Montoya cruised the East Central corridor and was known to be violent.   His first prostitution-related arrest was in 1998 when he picked up an undercover detective posing as a prostitute. He offered her $40.   She took him to a motel room near Washington and Central, where officers arrested him.   That apparently didn’t deter him.   In 1999, vice detectives watched him pick up a prostitute near Central and San Mateo and followed him to a dark dead-end road near the airport.   Police believe they caught him in the act as he was trying to rape and strangle her.   Montoya had apparently never planned to pay her — he only had $2 in his wallet.   He was arrested, but the case was later dismissed.   About four years later, he was still at it. Detectives watched him pick up a prostitute on Central Ave. and arrested him. The woman told officers he paid her $15.   By that time, Montoya already had a history of violence.   According to a domestic violence form his girlfriend filled out after an alleged assault, Montoya repeatedly beat her.   The woman said he had also done “gross things to me,” but didn’t detail what they were in the document.   She wrote that Montoya threatened “to kill me and bury me in lime.”   That threat may shed light on Montoya’s last crime.   In December 2006, he invited an escort to his trailer and killed her, according to a search warrant affidavit.   “She was bound by the ankles, knees and wrists, with duct tape and cord,” a detective wrote in the warrant.   When the woman’s boyfriend came to check on her, he shot and killed Montoya. The woman’s body was found outside Montoya’s trailer partially wrapped in a blanket. Her legs and wrists were wrapped in duct tape, and a thick layer circled her neck. An unrolled condom, pillowcase, and the woman’s belongings were in a trash bag in the trunk of the car Montoya had rented. Inside Montoya’s trailer, investigators found duct tape next to his bed. They also found hardcore pornography and some homemade sex tapes. One of those recordings shows Montoya having sex with a woman and the tape goes black. In a following scene on the same tape, the camera is focused on Montoya’s bedroom wall.   The camera doesn’t capture what’s happening, but the audio captures what sounds like tape being pulled from a roll. At least one trash bag is opened and there’s minutes of rustling noises. Police have sent that audio to the FBI and other crime labs for enhancement, but haven’t been able to determine what Montoya was doing. Two years after Montoya’s death, the decomposed remains of the West Mesa victims were found.  Montoya was immediately a potential suspect. But police have never detailed conclusive evidence tying him to the crime. Police spokesman Tanner Tixier said detectives tested Montoya’s living room carpet for DNA of all the victims found on the mesa and it came back negative. They also found nothing suspicious in his financial records around the time that the women went missing. Although Montoya’s family has declined to speak with the press, some of their comments were captured in interviews recorded by police the day he was killed. His mother expressed disbelief that Montoya could have done what police accused him of. And his girlfriend told them through sobs that she was supposed to be at Montoya’s trailer the night Hill was killed, but she had canceled because she wasn’t feeling well.   “He was very aggressive when he was younger, but he changed a lot,” she said. “He was good to me.”   Police announced in October 2016 they were looking for two escorts shown in one of the sex tapes.   “We need those two women identified,” Tixier said. “We’re trying to figure out if they are still alive.”   Next up is the aforementioned Joseph Blea.  Joseph Blea caught the attention of investigators almost immediately after the first remains of the West Mesa victims were unearthed.   April Gillen, Blea’s first wife, contacted police seven days after the discovery of a bone on the mesa and said she thought police should look into him.   They already knew a lot about him.   Blea is currently serving a 90-year prison sentence after he was convicted of four sexual assaults unrelated to the West Mesa case. He’s faced other sex-related charges as well, including accusations that he raped a 14-year-old girl he knew with a screwdriver. That case was later dropped, according to online court records.   And his DNA was found on a prostitute left dead on a curb in 1985. He’s never been charged in connection with that crime.   Police knew him even before many of those allegations surfaced — they had run across him more than 130 times between 1990 and 2009, and many of those encounters were along the East Central corridor known for prostitution and drugs, according to a search warrant affidavit unsealed late last year.   It’s an area many of the victims reportedly frequented.   In one report six years before the West Mesa victims went missing, a woman who had been walking on Central Avenue said Blea called her over to his car and exposed himself.   Police found rope and electrical tape on his passenger seat.   In the weeks after the victims’ remains were found, detectives with APD’s Repeat Offender Project tailed Blea for four days as he appeared to stalk prostitutes on the stroll.   “On two separate occasions Mr. Blea drove Central Ave from the west part of Albuquerque to the east part of Albuquerque,” the detective wrote in the warrant. “He slowed and circled the block in areas where prostitutes were working. He did not approach any prostitutes but appeared to be closely watching them.”   When detectives interviewed a prostitute who knew him, she said he took her to his house and tried to tie her up. She said she didn’t let him.   About eight months after the West Mesa murder investigation began, detectives searched Blea’s home and collected women’s jewelry and women’s underwear.   His wife, Cheryl Blea, told police he enjoyed wearing women’s underwear when having sex. She said she had on occasion found jewelry that didn’t belong to her or her daughter in their home. And she said her daughter had found women’s underwear hidden in their shed.   In a 2015 interview with the albuquerque Journal, Robert Cloven, the father of victim Virginia Cloven, said some families had noticed the women’s jewelry was missing.   Detective Mark Manary, who is the only investigator on the West Mesa case full-time, won’t say if the jewelry or underwear found at Blea’s house matched any of the victims’ DNA.   “Due to this being an ongoing criminal investigation this question cannot be answered at this time,” he said in an email in January 2016.   Blea also reportedly discussed the West Mesa case with others.   When detectives interviewed a former cellmate, he said Blea told him he knew the victims. He said he had paid them for sex acts.   “Mr. Blea spoke poorly about other identified victims, calling them trashy,” officers said cellmate Monroe Elderts told them.   Blea told Elderts he hit one of the victims when she tried to take his money.   Most of the evidence detectives present in the search warrant is circumstantial, but there’s one piece of physical evidence they believe may tie him to the crime.   Officers digging up the bones found a plant tag for a Spearmint Juniper next to Virginia Cloven’s remains.   Detectives traced that tree tag to a nursery in California that sends plants to Albuquerque, and Blea’s business records indicate he bought plants from nurseries that sold the California plants.   It’s unclear if detectives were ever able to directly tie that tree tag to Blea.   Blea began his lengthy prison sentence for the sexual assault cases in 2015. He is appealing his conviction in those.   His former attorney, John McCall, said Blea says he had nothing to do with the West Mesa murders.   “We dealt with issues relating to all of this,” McCall said in January 2016. “But it doesn’t seem like they really had any conclusive evidence regarding Joseph Blea. He’s denying involvement in West Mesa consistently.”   Authorities believe that the women may have been involved in a large interstate sex trafficking operation. According to the El Paso Times, the presence of Syllannia Edwards among the victims has led authorities to believe that sex trafficking gangs could have been involved. Edwards was from Oklahoma, but was known to have been in Texas and Colorado before ending up in Albuquerque. It is unknown, however, if she traveled on her own or was trafficked there. Several arrests and convictions in El Paso, Texas, indicated that Albuquerque is part of a broader sex trafficking route that includes the states of Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as the Mexican city of Juarez. According to New Mexico State University, the FBI has investigated long-haul truck drivers as suspects in murders of sex workers along major highways, and authorities have reason to believe that Edwards was one such victim. The El Paso Crime Stoppers office received an anonymous tip in 2010 that a suspect whose last name was Cota had killed a girl nicknamed "Mimi" and "Chocolate," both of which were names Edwards was known to go by. Despite the tip, however, the West Mesa Murder case remains unsolved.   So what about this Cota feels anyways. The following is taken from a new Mexico state university article.     A truck driver who used to belong to El Salvador’s military special forces allegedly could be linked to serial crimes of girls and women in El Paso, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to a Crime Stoppers tip included in court documents related to the appeal of Texas death row inmate David Leonard Wood. The tip, which is part of the Crime Stoppers report, refers to Wood’s case and to the West Mesa murders of Albuquerque.   The report states that the victim or victims of the alleged suspect, whose last name in the Crime Stoppers report is Cota, were nicknamed “Mimi” and “Chocolate.” New Mexico authorities had identified one of the 11 victims that were found in shallow graves in Albuquerque’s West Mesa in 2009 as Syllannia Edwards, whom police stated may have used the nicknames “Mimi” and “Chocolate.”   The West Mesa case remains unsolved. Edwards, who was 15 years old, was reported missing in 2003 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Police there said they considered her an endangered runaway. Police said she was also seen in Aurora, Colorado in May of 2004, and may have been associated with prostitutes in that city. It is not known when and how Edwards traveled to Albuquerque.   “Edwards was killed sometime between 2004 and 2005 and then buried in a mesa located adjacent to 118th Street SW in Albuquerque,” police authorities stated. “(The Cota) suspect would lure the females with narcotics,” the tipster told Crime Stoppers.   An anonymous caller provided the tip on Feb. 22, 2010 to Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc. According to court records, El Paso Detective Arturo “Tury” Ruiz, who was assigned to follow up on the tip, went as far as to prepare a grand jury document so that he could request more details about the tipster’s information. An official with the Albuquerque Police Department confirmed today (Sept. 13, 2016) that the El Paso Police Department had shared the 2010 Crime Stoppers report with authorities investigating the West Mesa murders. No further comment was available due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.   According to the Crime Stoppers report, “The caller (tipster) advised they have information regarding the crimes for which a man named David Leonard Wood will be executed soon. The caller advised (that) the suspect [Cota]… is responsible for these crimes.”   “The caller advised two of the victims’ nicknames were Mimi and Chocolate,” the Crime Stoppers report stated. “The caller advised the suspect never admitted to killing the women, but did admit to having picked up the women and paid them in exchange for sex.” “The caller has reason to believe the suspect … is responsible for the West Mesa, NM murders as well … (and) may also be responsible for several murders in Milwaukee, WI,” the Crime Stoppers report stated. The tipster claimed that the suspect had been a member of El Salvador’s military special forces. The tipster further alleged that the suspect is “very violent” and “exhibits a very strong hate towards women.”   The tipster told Crime Stoppers that Cota allegedly once boasted that “You will see me all over the news one day.” The suspect, the tipster alleged, used to be involved in drug-trafficking, and had a relative that was arrested on drug charges in California. The tipster alleged that the suspect ‘s nickname was “El Tigere,” was between 55 and 56 years old (in 2010), had a thin build, reddish hair, and drove a light burgundy-colored van.   The suspect reportedly worked as an interstate 18-wheel truck driver, and had lived in Albuquerque and West Oakland, California.     Wood was convicted in the deaths of six girls and young women who disappeared in 1987 in El Paso. Their bodies were found in shallow graves near what is now the Painted Dunes Golf Course in Northeast El Paso. The victims were Ivy Susanna Williams, Desiree Wheatley, Karen Baker, Angelica Frausto, Rosa Maria Casio and Dawn Marie Smith.   Three others who went missing in 1987, two from Northeast El Paso, and one who lived in nearby Chaparral, New Mexico, were Melissa Alaniz, Cheryl Vasquez and Marjorie Knox; they were never seen alive again. El Paso police said they had suspected Wood in their disappearances.   Wood has steadfastly denied killing the six victims and denied any connection with the disappearances of Knox, Alaniz and Vasquez. After his conviction by a jury trial, Wood was sentenced to death, and was scheduled to be executed in 2009. The Texas Criminal Court of Appeals granted him a stay the day before he was to be executed so he could prepare his appeal.     There is thought that the same person responsible for the west mesa killings was also responsible for the cringes that Wood was convicted of.    So there you have it… the unresolved story of the West Mesa killings. Who did it? Why did they do it, where are the rest of the missing girls? We may never know.   Sources for today were an amazing special article series from the Albuquerque Journal, the New Mexico state university article on the Cota suspect, the El Paso times and their article on the subject. Those were the main sources although we did find some smaller bits scattered around various random websites.  Horror movies filmed in new mexico: https://wheninyourstate.com/new-mexico/14-awesome-horror-movies-you-didnt-know-were-filmed-in-new-mexico/

This week on New Mexico in Focus, the clock struck midnight on legislation that would have legalized adult-use cannabis in New Mexico. But shortly after the 2020 legislative session wrapped, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a framework for a bill that could win approval was in place and she would be calling a special session in just a matter of days to push the legislation over the finish line. We get the very latest from our “Growing Forward” podcast team and learn more about why New Mexico’s approach is unique. The Line opinion panelists will also discuss the slew of landmark bills that did make it through the 60-day session, including a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to pull more money from the Land Grant Permanent Fund for early childhood and K-12 education programs. There were also major reforms to liquor license laws, a medical aid-in-dying measure, redistricting reform and the repeal of a state abortion ban. The panelists also delve into accusations from female lawmakers of hostile treatment within the halls of the Roundhouse and the fate of several good government issues facing lawmakers in a one-of-a-kind virtual legislative session. This week, Correspondent Gwyneth Doland also talks to the new leadership team in the Albuquerque Police Department. Mayor Tim Keller recently announced that interim police chief Harold Medina had earned the job moving forward, but added a new position of superintendent of police reform. Sylvester Stanley will be charged with continuing to implement changes recommended as part of the Department of Justice settlement agreement reached more than six years ago after a series of controversial police shootings. Host: Gene Grant Line opinion panelists: Dan Boyd, capitol bureau chief, Albuquerque Journal Andy Lyman, reporter, New Mexico Political Report Inez Russell Gomez, editorial page editor, Santa Fe New Mexican Jessica Onsurez, news director, Carlsbad Current Argus Segments: Cannabis Legalization Update from Growing Forward Podcast Correspondent: Megan Kamerick Andy Lyman Guest: Natalie Fertig, cannabis policy reporter, Politico New Albuquerque Police Department Leadership Correspondent: Gwyneth Doland, NMiF correspondent Guests: Harold Medina, Albuquerque police chief Sylvester Stanley, superintendent of police reform

In 1984, Joseph and Shirley Wall called the Albuquerque police department to report their son, Bennett Wall, missing. They hadn’t seen their 23 year old son in 3 years, and to this day he has yet to be found. Very little information can be found on Bennett Walls case.In 1988, a transgender doe was found near Orlando Florida. She was dubbed Julie Doe by those working on her case.Could these two cases be linked, or are they just two separate tragic stories?(Check back for our next episode that goes into detail on Julie Doe’s case.)If you have any information on Bennett Wall’s case, you can contact the Albuquerque Police Department at 505-768-2470. With information on Julie Doe’s case, you can contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 352-343-9529.✩✩✩Follow us on Instagram @thetruecrimeclub & follow our host Kaitlyn on Instagram @kait.lynlarson.With questions you can DM our instagram page OR email us at thetruecrimeclubpodcast@gmail.comThanks for listening!!SOURCES: ↓⋆https://charleyproject.org/case/bennett-irvin-wall⋆https://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/656?nav⋆https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/bennett-irvin-wall⋆1273dmnm.html⋆https://www.websleuths.com/forums/attachments/screen-shot-2020-07-05-at-3-18-22-pm-png.254507/⋆https://victimsheartland.forumotion.com/t5336-bennett-irvin-wall-cold-case-missing-person⋆Nm-bennett-irvin-wall-23-albuquerque-1-feb-1981.530559⋆https://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetail.html?caseNo=2010PR000066&countyNo=45&index=0⋆https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/nm-bennett-irvin-wall-23-albuquerque-1-feb-1981.530559/⋆https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/usedtobedoe/wall-bennett-i-missing-january-25-1984-t3685.html⋆https://www.newspapers.com/image/169936182/?terms=%22Bennett%20Wall%22&match=1⋆https://www.namus.gov/UnidentifiedPersons/Case#/6030/detailshttps://dnadoeproject.org/case/transgender-julie-doe/

Albuquerque Police Department has launched 4 homicide investigations in the last 36 hours. This was after we finished the month of January with 14 homicides in Albuquerque. Darren White begins the hour with KOAT 7 Investigative Producer T.J. Wilham to discuss his latest piece on violent crime in our city, then gives his thoughts and takes your calls.

After six years of monitoring and mentoring by the US Department of Justice to cure a sick culture of too aggressive and too frequent uses of force, the Albuquerque Police Department remains unreformed.  Federal Monitor James Ginger says 6 years have left the APD and the Federal monitors “in more trouble here right now today than I’ve ever seen.” Elise Kaplan has been covering the story for the Albuquerque Journal. What to do? There are a lot of proposals, some of which seem to hinder other solutions.

Sue Newman is the Director for HR Transformation for Republic National Distributing Company ('RNDC").  RNDC is the nation's second largest distributor of beverage alcohol in the United States.  On August 1, 2019, RNDC and Young’s Market Company (Young’s) announced the completion of a Joint Venture Partnership Agreement. As a result of the partnership, RNDC and Young's now service customers in 31 states plus the District of Columbia and employ nearly 13,000 people.In the newly created role of Director, HR Transformation, Sue serves as HR Business Partner to multiple department leaders providing subject matter expertise, strategic direction, and execution on best practices in human capital workflow processes, policies, and programs and change leadership strategies that impact the enterprise especially in the area of integration, mergers, and acquisitions.  She is a certified Senior HR Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), as well as a certified facilitator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and a Master Facilitator with Development Dimensions, International.Ms. Newman has been with RNDC for more than 11 years.  Prior to her role in HR Transformation, she enjoyed a progressive career with RNDC, beginning as HR Manager in New Mexico for National Distributing Co.  She most recently served as the Corporate Director, supporting the organization’s Finance and IT departments, in addition to managing a small team of HR professionals supporting RNDC’s wholly-owned affiliates in Georgia and New Mexico, National Distributing Co.Ms. Newman joined the RNDC family after working as an HRBP at Intel Corporation, then as the Payroll / Personnel Manager for the Albuquerque Police Department, in Albuquerque, NM.   She is the proud mother of two young men who are serving in the US Air Force and Air National Guard, and she instructs Basic Pistol and Firearms courses to handgun enthusiasts in the DFW area.

AFR Podcast Episode 40: APD and AFR on scene interactions Welcome to the Albuquerque Fire Rescue Podcast! This podcast is the Fortieth broadcast of the AFR training team for Albuquerque Fire and Rescue. Each broadcast will cover various training discussions and bring interviews with professionals in order to provide best practices for all members of AFR. In this episode, Captain Kevin Ferando interviews Chief Emily Jaramillo and Lt. Matt Dietzel with Albuquerque Police Department regarding APD and AFR on scene interactions in the field.

This week on New Mexico in Focus… Correspondent Russell Contreras talks to Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace where, according to its website, “she focuses on issues of rule of law, security, and governance in post-conflict countries, fragile states, and states in transition.” Dr. Kleinfeld explains how covering conflicted elections in other countries can inform America about defining political differences. Our Land correspondent Laura Paskus looks back at the impact of the border wall and looks ahead to NMiF’s continuing coverage of pollution in and around New Mexico military installations. NMiF reprises the Our Land episode that aired a year ago, after Paskus visited the border in southern New Mexico to visit where 30-foot-tall steel bollards have been installed and to see the wall’s construction. NMiF producer Matt Grubs talks with Paskus for an update about pollution in the Fort Wingate area, which the military did not disclose to the state during clean-up negotiations. Gene Grant and The Line opinion panelists look at local impacts of the national election and what the winning ticket of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, will mean for New Mexico. The Line also discusses the COVID-19 spike that is overwhelming the state. Lastly, The Line talks about two new issues in the Albuquerque Police Department: an overtime audit and another excoriating report from an independent monitor.

New Mexico is dealing with difficult times, from economic struggles, to a worldwide pandemic and civil and political unrest. The COVID-19 outbreak has laid bare many systemic failures here in New Mexico, often revolving around the issue of racial inequality. This week on a New Mexico in Focus special, we lean into these challenges with candid conversations about just one such example, reforming policing. Here in Albuquerque, the issue has been front and center for years, as the city entered into a Court Approved Settlement Agreement (CASA) with the department of Justice back in 2014 after a series of high-profile police shootings. True reform of the Albuquerque Police Department starts with asking the tough questions and being willing to have difficult conversations. That’s what we intend to do this week, by breaking the issue down into four distinct discussions: 1) DOJ Consent Decree – Where do we stand today? Have we made any progress in the last 6 years? 2) Black Lives Matter Movement – Recent protests have kept the issue of police brutality in the headlines, but are they enough to move the needle on true reform? 3) Legal issues – The state has now created a civil right commission to study the issue of qualified immunity, which makes it hard to bring legal action against corrupt officers and their employers. But will it lead to any real changes? 4) Behavioral Health – Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller wants to create a new Department of Community Safety, which would shift some emergency calls to behavioral health specialists, homeless advocates and social workers instead of armed officers. But will it work, and does it address the need for culture change in the APD? These are by no means the definitive conversations on these issues, but it is a start. We will be following up in future episodes with more voices and more discussions.

Researchers Keegan James Sarmiento Kloer and David Correia (@AbolishAPD) discuss Blue Leaks, a data dump that shows corporate-public partnerships between big box retailers and the Albuquerque Police Department. The privatized police database was used for political influence and so much more. Further reading: https://www.abolishapd.org/post/albuquerque-police-engaged-in-secret-intelligence-gathering-operation-leaked-documents-show https://www.abolishapd.org/post/apd-nmoag-nsa 

Thursday, August 27, 2020 ~ Ryan Holets, Detective for the Albuquerque Police Department and speaker at the RNC Convention on Tuesday night gives Frank his thoughts on the third night of the RNC Convention.

Thursday, August 27, 2020 ~ Ryan Holets, Detective for the Albuquerque Police Department and speaker at the RNC Convention on Tuesday night gives Frank his thoughts on the third night of the RNC Convention.

A gruesome discovery was unearthed for a small community in New Mexico. One that would leave many in a frenzy for decades to uncover the truth. Join us as we take a deep look into the events still unfolding. Anyone with information about the West Mesa murders can call the Albuquerque Police Department’s 118th Street Task Forceat 1-877-765-8273 or (505) 768-2450, or Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP. Sources : https://www.abqjournal.com/1275965/in-plain-sight-and-nobody-had-seen-it.html https://unresolved.me/west-mesa-bone-collector-part-two-the-war-zone https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-new-mexico-bodies-20190202-story.html https://www.abqjournal.com/news/metro/111132549541newsmetro03-11-09.htm https://www.abqjournal.com/community-data/west-mesa-murder-victims https://www.abqjournal.com/1275965/in-plain-sight-and-nobody-had-seen-it.html https://newmexiconewsport.com/west-mesa-murder-case-reaches-ten-year-anniversary/ https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/yvqxn5/who-is-the-west-mesa-bone-collector-0000439-v21n9 Streetsafenewmexico.org https://youtu.be/3dZSEY06eyo

Kathleen Sabo speaks with journalist Jeff Proctor on transparent and ethical policing. Jeff is the Contributing Editor for the Santa Fe Reporter and an investigative reporter for New Mexico in Depth. In 2013, he was a finalist for the American Bar Association's Silver Gavel Award for reporting on systemic civil rights abuses by the Albuquerque Police Department. Jeff has covered policing issues throughout his career. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ethics-now/message

Barbara Tegtmeier is not your ordinary retiree. She is a volunteer chaplain for the Albuquerque Police Department and serves as a supply pastor for Cornerstone United Methodist Church. Her passion for people is phenomenal. Barbara is a lover of education and seeks out opportunities to learn in order to be present for others. Her enthusiasm is contagious.      

Episode 48 dives back into how the pandemic is affecting people experiencing homelessness. KUNM's Hannah Colton goes further into the story of the city breaking up encampments, despite the CDC advising against it during this time , and she brings us the perspective of Cypher Johnson, who's passing through Albuquerque and spending time on the streets. We talk to people who work with unsheltered folks around the state about what an outbreak at a shelter would mean for the whole community, about what needs to change right now—and what needs to change in the future. We also hear from the Albuquerque Police Department and the Las Cruces Police Department about how coronavirus has changed things for them philosophically and practically.

Heidi Macomber reads today's EEOC news bulletin regarding another sexual harassment lawsuit, this time involving Select Staffing and the Albuquerque Police Department. Select Staffing will pay $199.5K to settle the sexual harassment suit. Sexual harassment is a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. … More SELECT STAFFING TO PAY $199,500 TO SETTLE EEOC SEXUAL HARASSMENT SUIT

This week on New Mexico in Focus, senior producer Matt Grubs catches up with Congresswoman Deb Haaland. The freshman congresswoman has been outspoken on the need for greater investigation into missing and murdered Native women and speaks frankly about how she feels law enforcement needs to prioritize such cases. She also addresses the need for more robust broadband access throughout New Mexico. Gene Grant and The Line opinion panel take on the announcement, made shortly after the congresswoman was in the NMiF studio for the above interview, that Rep. Haaland was named as co-chair for presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren’s campaign. The Line opinion panelists also discuss how charter schools, especially in New Mexico’s larger cities, are adjusting to the reduction of funds that came with the state legislature’s adjustment of a 40-year-old funding formula for small schools. For the final topic, The Line looks at new numbers from the Albuquerque Police Department that show crime statistics have not decreased nearly as much as originally reported.

Season 1, Episode 5 Crime in New Mexico: Taking a Holistic Approach This dynamic group representing very different components of the criminal justice system discuss if and how can we comprehensively address crime in New Mexico. Hosts & Guests Rhiannon Samuel Dale Armstrong Gorden Eden Sandra Price  Joseph Shaw   Resources Common Ground Issues Viante’s Crime Metrics Viante’s 2019 Crime Bills  Join Viante New Mexico Download Episode About This Episode Viante Executive Director, Rhiannon Samuel and Co-Chair Dale Armstrong interview a dynamic group representing very different components of the criminal justice system discuss if and how can we comprehensively address crime in New Mexico. Former Chief Gorden Eden, speaks on behalf of the law enforcement perspective. Former Judge Sandra Price from Northern New Mexico gives her take based off her experience as a District Attorney and then Judge. And, Joseph Shaw offers his experience as a former felon, now Executive Director of Father’s Building Futures. Chief Gorden Eden has extensive experience in Law Enforcement and is known as a “career crime-fighter”. He started as a State Police patrol officer in the 1970s. He then spent eight years in federal law enforcement as the U.S. marshal for New Mexico. Then he worked for Gov. Susana Martinez, heading the state Department of Public Safety, which oversees State Police. Most recently he was the Chief of Police at the Albuquerque Police Department.   Sandra Price was a district Judge in the 11th Judicial District in Farmington, NM from 2004 to 2017. She specializes in Children’s Court and is a member of the Children’s Law Section of the New Mexico Bar Association. She earned a law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law. In 1996, she was the first women elected as San Juan County district attorney and served in the position from 1997 to 2001. Price worked at the San Juan County District Attorney’s Office for 15 years as a prosecutor.                 Joseph Shaw is the current executive director of Albuquerque nonprofit, Father’s Building Futures. Their mission is “to ensure parents experiencing barriers from incarceration have the best opportunities for stability: emotionally, socially, and financially”, the project is training men with tremendous barriers to succeed in New Mexico’s workforce. Joseph started with Fathers Building Futures in December 2012 as a client. Fathers Building Futures is a local nonprofit that focuses on providing on the job training individuals (Fathers) returning home from prison. While incarcerated he started taking the parent reentry classes through Fathers Building Futures to be eligible to participate in the incubator program upon his release. Recent Posts NM Legislature 2020: Expectations and Predictions by Rhiannon Samuel | Jan 17, 2020 | Podcasts, UncategorizedSpecial Episode 3 NM Legislature 2020: Expectations and PredictionsHost Rhiannon Samuel, Executive Director of Viante New Mexico, talks with longtime New Mexico political journalist, Dan McKay, about the political landscape of the state legislature and the upcoming... Decoding the New Mexico Legislative Process  by Rhiannon Samuel | Jan 10, 2020 | Podcasts, UncategorizedSpecial Episode 2 Decoding the New Mexico Legislative Process Host Rhiannon Samuel, Executive Director of Viante New Mexico, talks with the Legislative Council Services’ Raul Burciaga to explain how New Mexico’s legislative process works and how it is different from...

New Mexico's legal system is ripe with opportunity to gauge public opinion when compared to community conversations.The Garrity Perception Survey measures four areas related to the New Mexico legal and justice system.  It includes favorability of the courts and justice system as well as measures trust of judges, lawyers and law enforcement officers.Favorability of the courts and trust of lawyers do well to hover in the lower quarter of favorability.  Based on a seven-year statewide average, the courts system averages 26 percent favorability and lawyers average 21 percent favorability. Geographically, the two areas are hard pressed to find any pockets of significant support in any part of the state. It is safe to say that despite some very good people and qualified professionals, favorability of the court and trust of attorneys is difficult to increase given awareness of high crime rates, drunk drivers and repeat offenders.Interestingly, while New Mexico residents are not favorable of the courts they are trusting of its officers, the judges.  An 18 percent gap exists between trust of judges and favorability of the courts.  Geographically, judges have higher trust among residents living in the Eastern and South/Southwestern parts of the state.Police officers and law enforcement officers are the most trusted when compared with their two counterparts, judges and lawyers. However, New Mexico residents didn't always have this level of trust (a 49 percent average) of police officers.In 2013 and 2014, a series of high profile incidents captured local, statewide and national attention.In 2013, the New Mexico State Police pulled over a van carrying the suspect and her five children.  After the second time the driver tried to speed away, officers fired three shots at the van's tires. The police dash-cam video captured the exchange which made national coverage.  The officers were cleared of the shooting as a judge said they were justified to shoot at the tires.Also, in 2013, the Deming Police Department and the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office conducted a full cavity search on a person who was pulled over for allegedly for not coming to a full stop at a stop sign in a Walmart parking lot.In 2014, the Albuquerque Police Department was involved in the fatal shooting of a homeless man who also suffered from mental disorders. After the shooting, the suspect was found to have knives in each hand.  The incident was one of several officer involved shootings faced by the department in as many months.The APD shootings captured the media attention and attracted attention of the United States Justice Department.  Police Chief Gordon Eden, an experienced law man and relatively new to his role as police chief, led changes to the force.  With the help of the Mayor and Albuquerque City Council, the Civilian Police Oversight Agency was established.These actions helped to rebuild trust among Albuquerque residents which in turn increased trust of police offices statewide.More information and analysis of this information is available online at www.garrityperceptionsurvey.com.

Leah Rachelle Peebles was a 23 year old from Albuquerque, NM. She was originally from Ft. Worth, TX and liked to write in her journal. On May 22, 2006, she wrecked her car and it had to be towed. The next Leah showed up at the garage with a man and a woman to check the car's status. She was never seen again. Charley Project: http://charleyproject.org/case/leah-rachelle-peebles NAMUS: https://www.namus.gov/MissingPersons/Case#/603 ID: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeZa4UI6dAE If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Leah Peebles, please contact the Albuquerque Police Department at (505) 768-2404. Unfound is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Podomatic, Stitcher, Podbean, and Spotify. --in particular, please join us on Wednesday nights at 9pm Eastern for the Unfound Facebook Live Video show which is hosted on the Unfound Podcast Page . . . NOT in the private group. Email: Unfoundpodcast@gmail.com. The website: Unfoundpodcast.com—please check out the secret Steven Koecher episode. The website at Trib Total Media: triblive.com/news/unfound Unfound has Patreon and PayPal accounts. --I cannot thank all of Unfound’s supporters enough. Unfound merchandise: Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Amazon in both paperback and ebook form. --let’s try to work on getting some great reviews for Volume 2. --if you’ve bought, please give it a nice review. --the playing cards—go to makeplayingcards.com/sell/unfoundpodcast --shirts for ALMOST ALL Unfound’s cases at unfound-podcast.myshopify.com --this includes the flagships t-shirt, The First Year Cases, that has a collage of everyone from Suzanne Lyall to Jennifer Wilkerson. Please check it out. And please mention Unfound on all true crime Facebook pages, websites, and forums. Thank you.

“If there is no trauma, there is no PTSD” Dr. Nicole Duranceaux is a psychologist with the New Mexico VA Health Care System who specializes in post-traumatic stress disorderand co-occurring substance use disorders. During her talk Dr. Duranceaux reviews some misinformation about PTSD, and provides key points about interacting with someone diagnosed with PTSD, as well as self-care tips for individuals who work in public safety. Jenn and Matt start this one off with some banter about SMART goals and becoming “podcast famous”. Jenn talks about reviewing emails sent out and how technology can tell which ones are opened and which ones are not. Is this big brotherly? We go over Jenn’s first time trip to the real time crime center at the Albuquerque Police Department.Shout out to Amy Cook hope you didn’t crash. This topic was presented to the CIT ECHO, if you are in public safety and would like to join for free online training and ability to staff cases with psychiatrist please check it out here or email Jenn Earheart. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook! If you are enjoying these episodes please share them with others and let us know you are enjoying them, leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Don’t forget you can send in your questions for us to answer on the show to Ask@goCIT.org.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=4Z-T3A1LPSUP3tcGbzXY9LF4511KMzsngJOcoo1ZS1K07sQo0oqdDjX0_3uPa9FD7kb8K0&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

Jenn and Matt talk about the stigmas associated with behavioral health and suicide. Matt's mission is to get Demi Lovato on the podcast now! Also check out a talk from the CIT Knowledge Network from Sgt. John Gonzales with the Albuquerque Police Department who goes over their Crisis Intervention Section. If you would like to attend these knowledge network session online please contact Jenn Earhart (jearheart@cabq.gov) for more. Have a question for us send it to Ask@goCIT.orgSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=4Z-T3A1LPSUP3tcGbzXY9LF4511KMzsngJOcoo1ZS1K07sQo0oqdDjX0_3uPa9FD7kb8K0&country.x=US&locale.x=US)

The Albuquerque Police Department has faced its share of controversies over the years, culminating in an investigation by the Department of Justice which released its findings in 2014. In this episode, we sit down with New Mexico In Depth reporter Jeff Proctor and get up to speed on the origin of the controversies and where things stand now. Also, Mike shares an article he wrote from the front-lines of the anti-police brutality protests of 2014.

This week in “Press Row,” Jordan Breen is joined by MMAJunkie and USA Today writer Mike Bohn to discuss the latest in the Jon Jones drag racing drama, Bohn's recent trip to New Mexico to profile “Bones,” the Albuquerque Police Department's release of information and its treatment of celebrities and how it impacts UFC 197.