LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The KCBD Investigates Team has obtained court documents that provide additional details about the murder and kidnapping case in Clovis, New Mexico.

At about 4:25 p.m. on May 4, law enforcement received a call about bodies found at the Ned Houk Memorial Park in Clovis.

Law enforcement identified the women as 23-year-old Taryn Allen and 23-year-old Samantha Harley Cisneros.

Law enforcement also found Cisneros’ five-year-old daughter in critical condition with a gunshot wound to her head.

The KCBD Investigates Team confirmed she remains in critical condition at a Lubbock hospital, but we’re told she is stable.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: KCBD Investigates: Arrest warrant details suspect’s motive in Clovis kidnapping, double homicide

According to FBI Special Agent Matthew Frye’s affidavit, Allen and Cisneros were found with multiple gunshot wounds. He stated Cisneros had additional injuries to her legs and back that looked like she had been hit and dragged by a vehicle.

While at the scene, law enforcement found a baby bottle and a stroller at the park, but they could not find a baby.

Law enforcement searched Cisneros’ vehicle and found a receipt to a nearby dollar store from earlier in the day.

Officers reviewed the dollar store’s surveillance video and confirmed Cisneros’ 10-month-old daughter, Eleia Maria Torres, was with her mother and big sister that day.

Law enforcement issued an Amber Alert for Torres.

At the scene, officers reported they found 9 mm handgun casings and a sideview mirror from the driver’s side of a maroon colored Honda.

Witnesses told law enforcement they drove by Ned Houk Memorial Park between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. and said they saw a maroon car at the park and it looked like the driver was talking with the women.

Officers collected video surveillance from a McDonald’s near the park which showed a maroon Honda with a Texas license plate in the drive-thru lane around 2:40 p.m.

Officers contacted the owner of the vehicle who said he had rented the car to 26-year-old Alik Isaiah Collins through a car rental website.

The owner of the vehicle worked with law enforcement to use the car’s GPS monitoring system to track Collins.

Prior to the shooting, GPS showed the vehicle had traveled from Houston, where Collins lives, to Clovis, New Mexico.

The data also showed the vehicle at the park entrance at about 3:29 p.m.

Then, at 3:38 p.m., the vehicle left at speeds of up to 96 miles per hour, avoiding major highways as it headed east.

At 10:52 p.m., the vehicle arrived at a home in Abilene, Texas, that is about 270 miles from Clovis.

The vehicle continued to ping at that home through May 5 at 7:43 p.m.

At that point, the owner of the vehicle reported the car as stolen and remotely disabled it while it was still at the Abilene home.

The vehicle’s owner also gave law enforcement Collins’ cell phone number, which they say showed Collins to have been at the park on the day and time of the murders.

On May 5, 2024, and into May 6, 2024, law enforcement officers with the FBI and the Abilene Texas Police Department Narcotics Unit began conducting ground surveillance at the home.

At approximately 1:15 a.m. on May 6, law enforcement observed a black male pushing the maroon Honda out of the garage and into the street.

During the early morning hours of May 6, 2024, while law enforcement was preparing to execute a search warrant at the residence, they observed an Uber driver operating a Cadillac SUV arrive on the street in front of the home.

A black male, later determined to be Collins, exited the residence carrying a baby.

According to the undercover officers, Collins placed the baby on the rear passenger seat of the SUV and got into the front passenger seat.

That is when officers said Collins carjacked the Uber driver at gunpoint, and forced him out of the vehicle.

Then, officers said Collins drove away with the baby still in the car.

The Abilene Police Department reported Collins intentionally rammed into a police vehicle as they attempted to stop him.

Officers pinned the vehicle, forcing it to stop.

They took Collins into custody and recovered baby Torres who was uninjured.

Law enforcement reported finding a Glock handgun loaded with 9 mm ammunition on the floorboard of the vehicle.

The FBI confirmed Collins is not the parent, grandparent, brother, or uncle of this child, and does not have legal custody of the baby.

During this investigation, the FBI reported they had communicated with Collins last year.

The FBI reported Collins had called in September 2023 and said he wanted help finding his daughter.

During this phone call, the FBI reported he made threatening statements so they called in local law enforcement.

The FBI stayed on the phone with Collins until the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office arrived and took Collins in for a mental health evaluation.

The following month, on October 10, 2023, Collins called the FBI again and reported if law enforcement did not assist him with locating his missing five-year-old daughter, he would “start killing people and children.”

Collins stated that at one point he had kidnapped a woman and her son and then sent a picture of the kidnapped individuals to the FBI to pressure law enforcement to assist with locating his daughter.

The FBI reported Collins was intoxicated and could not provide his child’s true name but referred to her as “Rebecca.” He could not provide the child’s mother’s name either.

During these conversations, Collins said he did not have a weapon and did not intend to hurt anyone, but he made the threats to draw attention so law enforcement could help him find his daughter.

A second referral was made to local law enforcement who attempted contact with Collins but was unsuccessful.

A National Instant Criminal Background System alert was put in place to notify law enforcement if Collins attempted to purchase a firearm.

Additionally, Collins was prohibited from purchasing firearms in Texas as a result of his mental health evaluation.

At this time, the KCBD Investigates Team is working to learn how Collins got a gun.

We are also working to learn if there is any connection to Collins and the victims.

A public defender has been assigned to this case.

Loved ones of Allen and Cisneros have set up GoFundMe accounts to help pay for their funeral expenses.

According to Muffley Funeral Home’s website, Cisneros’ family is gathering at The Chapel Thursday, May 16 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Services will take place Friday, May 17 at noon with a burial following at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis.

The website states a visitation for Allen will be held on Saturday, May 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Chapel located at 1500 Thornton Street in Clovis, New Mexico.

A celebration of life will follow at 6 p.m. at Hillcrest Park located at 1001 Sycamore Street.

Copyright 2024 KCBD. All rights reserved.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Scattered rain showers and storms will persist as Thursday goes on throughout New Mexico but will clear up as Friday nears.

For now, we’ll have to deal with temperatures below average. If you’re in a place like Carlsbad or Roswell, though, enjoy it. Temperatures will be near triple-digits in a few days.

Meteorologist Brandon Richards has his full forecast in the video above.

MORE:

Tanya Mirabal Moya 

Tanya Mirabal Moya (I)

Age: 49   

Occupation: Physics teacher at Belen High School  

Education: Bachelors of Science in health and wellness from Kaplan University (Purdue Global); Master of Science in sports management; athletic administration and coaching from Liberty University  

Previous elected political offices: Current state representative for District 7  

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”  

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“It’s been too long for people who have never worked in a classroom to make decisions about how we educate our students. As a current teacher, I am that greatly needed voice in our state roundhouse for our students, educators, and our education system throughout the state of New Mexico.  

2. What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the Legislature to address safety issues in our community?

“Going after criminals and not law-abiding citizens who are trying to protect themselves. By mandating tougher penalties for convicted felons who commit a crime with a gun, along with bail reform that would help keep violent criminals behind bars instead of on our streets.”  

3. Every municipality and county struggles with paying the high cost of infrastructure projects. How should the state address growing and costly infrastructure needs? 

“The state should address the rising cost of infrastructure projects by making it easier to do business in New Mexico. This includes reducing or eliminating the state’s GRT (I have put forward a bill to do so for small businesses), as these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers.”  

4. What can the Legislature do to help address the teacher shortage in New Mexico?

“Create a licensure program that allows experienced individuals to teach higher level classes part-time, so they don’t have to leave their high paying jobs. Create a fourth tier in the teacher license that is for a master teacher, who manages several classrooms and teachers in their department.” 

Brian G. Baca 

Brian Baca (I)

Age: 53  

Occupation: Educator  

Education: BA, MA University of New Mexico  

Previous elected political offices: N.M. House of Representatives  

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”  

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“I have served three sessions in the N.M. House of Representatives. I serve on the education committee, which sets policy for our pre-k through higher education institutions. I serve on the House appropriations committee which sets the budget and funding for the entire state of New Mexico.”  

2. What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the Legislature to address safety issues in our community?

“We need to make tougher laws for violent and repeat offenders. We need to end the catch and release practice that puts criminals back on the streets. Finally, we need to adequately fund our first responders in our communities to recruit and retain personnel.” 

3. Every municipality and county struggles with paying the high cost of infrastructure projects. How should the state address growing and costly infrastructure needs?

“As a member of the House appropriations we have worked to address this serious need. We need to invest a larger portion of our budget surplus to infrastructure and needs of our community (roads, health care, police and fire departments). This investment will bring a higher return on our investment and impact the lives of all citizens.”  

4. What can the Legislature do to help address the teacher shortage in New Mexico? 

“As an educator and a member of the education committee, I am on the front lines of funding our schools and improving education. As a member of the House appropriations committee, I advocated to put back the funding that had been cut to support the educator fellows and teacher residency programs that were created specifically to address our teacher shortage.” 

Michelle Paulene Abeyta 

Michelle Paulene Abeyta

Age: 40 

Occupation: Lawyer 

Education: B.A. in Native American Studies and Geography from University of New Mexico, J.D. with certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy from University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law 

Previous elected political offices: To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education 

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “No.” 

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position?

“As a lifelong resident of District 69, I know what it’s like to drive 100 miles for basic needs. My public service includes the To’hajiilee Community School Board of Education, National Native American Bar Association Board, and more I hold a J.D. with a certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.” 

2. What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the Legislature to address safety issues in our community?

“I want to see paid family and medical leave pass through the Legislature. I will support legislation that will provide critical improvements to District 69’s infrastructure, help with projects like uranium cleanup efforts, and bolster educational opportunities for children and adults alike. 

3. Every municipality and county struggles with paying the high cost of infrastructure projects. How should the state address growing and costly infrastructure needs?

“Children on school buses shouldn’t have to drive on roads with potholes so big I can sit in them. Community members have been advocating to fix these roads for years. District 69 needs a voice that will prioritize critical infrastructural improvements to positively and tangibly change our quality of life.” 

4. What can the Legislature do to help address the teacher shortage in New Mexico?

“We need to provide top-notch benefits, competitive pay, safe working environments, and additional support in the classroom for teachers wherever needed. As a member of my local school board, I helped secure millions in funding to improve our community school. I’ll bring that same level of advocacy to the Legislature.” 

Stanley E. Michael 

Stanley E. Michael

Age: 55  

Occupation: Coal miner 

Education: High school graduate  

Previous elected political offices: None  

Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a felony or DWI in New Mexico or in another state? “No.”  

1. What in your experience, education, etc., makes you qualified for this position? 

“I am a strong advocate of the community. I have served 10 years in corrections, three years as director of Adult Community Corrections program, one summer at CYFD, three summers at the state highway department, 11 years in 4-H, and 15 years coaching youth, middle school, and high school baseball, basketball and football.”  

2. What do you hope to work on, or see passed, at the Legislature to address safety issues in our community?

“Above all, a three strikes law to reduce crime, followed by a way to keep criminals off the streets as they await trial.  We need to do better at screening immigrants to keep criminals out of New Mexico and we need to improve rehabilitation efforts.”    

3. Every municipality and county struggles with paying the high cost of infrastructure projects. How should the state address growing and costly infrastructure needs? 

“Two federal laws have already passed to help with infrastructure. They are the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which support communities by entering contracts and agreements on projects that would help to support our communities. Since New Mexico has a surplus, we should be able to provide matching funds to get more done.”  

4. What can the Legislature do to help address the teacher shortage in New Mexico? 

“Talk to and listen to our educators. Really listen. They will be the best experts on what can be done and what is needed in our classrooms. They should be able to provide ideas on how to attract and retain educators to our state.”

Editor’s note: Incumbents N.M. Reps. Gail Armstrong (R-District 49) and Harry Garcia (D-District 69) are both running for reelection but did not return their answers to the Valencia County News-Bulletin’s questionnaire.

VOTING INFORMATION

Absentee by mail 

The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the June primary election is Tuesday, May 21. Absentee ballots can be requested by visiting nmvote.org 

If they are not returned by mail, absentee ballots can be returned in person at the following locations by 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4: 

• Valencia County Clerk’s Office, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
• Any of the early in-person or alternate early voting locations.
• Any of the 15 Voting Convenience Centers open on Election Day throughout the county.
• Any of the three secure absentee ballot drop boxes
• Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen
• Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
• Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas

Early, in-person voting 

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Friday, May 17, Monday through Saturday 

Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas 

Alternate, early voting 

10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 18, through Saturday, June 1, Monday through Saturday 

• Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen,
• Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
• Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Center, 4001 N.M. 314, Isleta
• Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas

Voting Convenience Centers 

7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 4 

• Ann Parish Elementary, 112 Meadow Lake Road, Meadow Lake
• Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane, Belen
• Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave. Belen
• Bosque Farms Public Library, 1455 W. Bosque Loop, Bosque Farms
• Century High School, 32 Sun Valley Road, Los Lunas
• Del Rio Senior Center, 351 Rio Communities Blvd., Rio Communities
• Don Jose Dolores Cordova Cultural Center, 426 Jarales Road Jarales
• El Cerro Mission Community Center, 309 El Cerro Mission Road, El Cerro
• Logsdon Hall, 19676 N.M. 314, Los Chavez
• Los Lunas Schools Administration, 119 Luna Ave., Los Lunas
• Meadow Lake Community Center, 100 Cuerro Lane, Meadow Lake
• Pueblo of lsleta Veterans Center, 4001 N.M. 314, Isleta
• Tomé Adelino Fire Department Valley Station, 2755 N.M. 47, Tomé
• Town of Peralta Town Hall , 90A Molina Road, Peralta
• UNM-Valencia Workforce Training Center, 1020 Huning Ranch, Los Lunas