New Mexico
Looking back at crime in Albuquerque during 2023
According to Albuquerque police, the department is ending the year with 96 homicide investigations.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexicans had to give too many condolences in 2023. According to Albuquerque police, the department is ending the year with 96 homicide investigations.
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies have 16 on their caseload – totaling 112 killings in the metro just for the two agencies this year.
“I think the community is tired of this, tired of the killings, and we need to work together as a community to put a stop to this,” said Alicia Otero with the New Mexico Crusader for Justice.
Otero has spoken to hundreds of heartbroken families in her role with the New Mexico Crusaders for Justice.
But the crime burden in the metro reached a new level this past summer when she had to help two families who lost young children to this crisis.
5-year-old Galilea Samaniego died after getting shot in a drive-by while she slept at her babysitter’s house near Blake and Unser. The five suspects are all teenagers.
Just weeks later, 11-year-old Froylan Villegas died as he left an Isotopes game with his family.
Police say three men shot at the family’s truck, mistakenly thinking it belonged to rival gang members.
“Even though it was a mistaken identity of the vehicles, that is still not OK. Just because it was a mistaken identity does not forgive what they’ve done to the family,” said a family friend of the Villegas.
“These individuals should have never been out in the community and a young man should have never lost his life,” said APD Chief Harold Medina.
Those back-to-back killings led Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to declare gun violence a public health emergency in the state, with some controversial consequences in the metro.
“So effective immediately no person other than a law enforcement officer or licensed security officer shall possess a firearm either openly or concealed,” said Lujan Grisham.
Now, frustrated New Mexicans will be looking at the governor and state lawmakers in just a few weeks as they head to the Roundhouse for a 30-day legislative session.
Mayor Tim Keller says — once again — crime legislation is a top priority and expectation. The city will ask for money to expand the use of the Real Time Crime Center.
APD credits the multi-million dollar tech hub with solving crimes faster, including Froylan Villegas’ murder.
“Our total ask was 10, or $20 million to integrate this for the entire metro area,” said Keller.
The Legislature convenes in two weeks.
1 hour ago
Updated: May 2, 2026, 2:24 pm EDTPublished: May 2, 2026, 2:24 pm EDT
A large landspout tornado was spotted towering over north-central New Mexico on Thursday, April 30, footage shows. Other videos of landspouts were posted from the area that day.
Hikers heading into the Sandia Mountains are being reminded to never underestimate Albuquerque’s trail system after a man was found dead earlier this week along the popular La Luz Trail.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Hikers heading into the Sandia Mountains are being reminded to never underestimate Albuquerque’s trail system after a man was found dead earlier this week along the popular La Luz Trail.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man as Samuel Gurule. Authorities say there are no signs of foul play and no obvious trauma, though the investigation into his death is ongoing.
While details remain limited, officials say the tragedy is serving as an important reminder for hikers to prepare carefully before heading into the mountains.
“Respect the mountains, respect the outdoors,” said Steve LaRese with the New Mexico Search and Rescue Council. “We want to see everybody outside. Everyone deserves to be outside.”
With hiking season in full swing, trails throughout the Sandias are drawing more visitors. While the Sandia Crest remains closed, lower‑elevation routes like La Luz are open — and can appear deceptively manageable.
“It looks very obtainable and very two‑dimensional,” LaRese said. “But when you get in there, it’s a lot of rolling terrain.”
Between steep terrain, heat, elevation, and winding paths, conditions can change quickly — and it’s easy to get turned around.
“Little things turn into big things,” LaRese explained. “It’s very easy to get off the main trail and end up in a steep area or somewhere you don’t want to be.”
Search and Rescue officials say that’s why preparation is critical, even on shorter hikes.
The New Mexico Search and Rescue Council encourages hikers to over‑prepare, even if they don’t expect trouble. Recommended items include:
- A light source, even for daytime hikes
- A whistle, which can help rescuers locate you
- Plenty of water and protection from the sun
If something does go wrong, officials stress that hikers should not hesitate to call for help.
“Search and Rescue in New Mexico is free,” LaRese said. “You won’t be charged for calling 911 or for a rescue team coming out to get you off the mountain.”
As temperatures continue to rise across New Mexico, hikers are urged to listen to their bodies and avoid pushing past their limits.
“Check your heart rate. Be realistic about your physical abilities,” LaRese said. “There’s nothing wrong with hiking two miles up and saying, ‘That’s a good day,’ and heading back. The mountain will always be there.”
One final reminder for hikers planning a summit route: never assume the Sandia Tram will be operating for a ride back down.
Weather conditions or maintenance closures can leave hikers stranded — sometimes facing a long descent after dark.
Officials say preparation, awareness, and knowing when to turn around can make the difference between a great hike and a dangerous situation.
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