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DETAINED: 16-Year-Old Charged in Murder of Albuquerque Bicyclist - Detained
Today, a judge ordered the detention of a 16-year-old charged with First-Degree Murder in connection with the death of Albuquerque cyclist Scott Habermehl.
Background:
Investigators say the incident occurred last year when a group of juveniles in a stolen vehicle intentionally struck Habermehl as he rode his bicycle to work at Sandia National Laboratories. The crime was recorded by the teens and later surfaced on social media earlier this year, leading to the arrests of four juveniles — including one who was just 11 years old at the time.
Two of the teens, now both 16, are being charged as adults in the case.
🐾 Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office support dog Woodstock here -- Wishing everyone a safe and happy Friday!
Whether you’re working hard or heading into the weekend, Woodstock reminds us all to take a moment to breathe, be kind, and stay safe. 🐶💙
Jury Convicts Man of Chaining & Raping Victim in his Garage --
Late this afternoon, a Bernalillo County jury convicted Celso Montano of multiple violent offenses, including the kidnapping and repeated rape of a woman in 2022.
Montano was found guilty of the following charges:
Kidnapping, Three counts of Criminal Sexual Penetration in the Second Degree, Aggravated Battery (Great Bodily Harm), Intimidation of a Witness and Telephone Harassment.
In April 2022, Montano kidnapped a woman, restrained her in his garage using chains, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her.
Montano faces up to 52 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department. Though he has faced rape charges in Albuquerque dating back to 1996, this marks his first conviction for the crime.
Deputy District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch led the prosecution alongside Deputy District Attorney Jack Jacks, head of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Unit.
“Montano has spent decades preying on the most vulnerable women in our community,” said Deputy District Attorney Savannah Brandenburg-Koch, who leads the Special Victims Unit. “Now he's finally being held accountable," she said.
"We are thankful for the survivor's bravery for following this case to the end and getting justice," Jacks said.
Two Men Sentenced to Life plus 46 years for Murder of 11-Year-Old Outside Isotopes Park
A New Mexico judge has sentenced Nathen Garley and Jose Romero to life in prison plus 46 years for the 2023 fatal shooting of 11-year-old Froylan Villegas and the wounding of his cousin, Tatiana Villegas.
In February, a jury convicted both men of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, shooting from a motor vehicle (great bodily harm), conspiracy to commit shooting at or from a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage to property. The sentencing handed down today, commits them to life in the custody of the New Mexico Corrections Department.
Background:
The shooting occurred in September 2023, as the Villegas family was leaving a game at Isotopes Park. Garley and Romero drove past the family’s vehicle and opened fire, striking the truck with 16 bullets. Investigators later revealed that the men had mistakenly believed the truck belonged to a rival gang.
Froylan Villegas was killed in the attack, and his cousin Tatiana was left paralyzed.
Deputy District Attorneys Larry Hansen and Collin Brennan prosecuted this case.
“I could not be more proud of the prosecutors in our office who worked tirelessly to bring justice in this horrific case. The brutal and senseless murder of 11-year-old Froylan Villegas and the life-altering injuries inflicted on his cousin Tatiana shook our entire community.
Our team worked day and night to ensure these violent offenders were held fully accountable. Their dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering pursuit of justice resulted in the convictions and now the sentencing today.
No sentence can ever undo the pain this family has endured, but today’s outcome sends a clear message: We will not tolerate this kind of violence in our city. We will continue to fight for victims and stand up for public safety every single day.” Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman.
MOTHER OF 13-YEAR-OLD CHARGED IN STABBING & ROBBERY CASE WAS ARRESTED TUESDAY BY A NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE OFFICER DURING OPERATION ROUTE 66.
TATIANA VIGIL IS NOW CHARGED WITH A SEPARATE ROBBERY CASE INVOLVING HER SON. SHE'S DUE IN COURT THIS AFTERNOON.
VIDEO: Man and teen rob a man in southeast Albuquerque
www.krqe.com
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Security video captures the moments a man and a 13-year-old rob a man in southeast Albuquerque. The Albuquerque Police Department says Angelo Ray and the teen threatening...
MAN SENTENCED FOR MURDER AT DOWNTOWN HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT --
Today, a judge sentenced Zachariah Riley to 15 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department, the maximum punishment allowed under New Mexico Law for Second-Degree Murder.
BACKGROUND:
December 2023, Riley got into an argument with Alex Valley at a homeless encampment south of Downtown. Riley chased Valley, then repeatedly stabbed him in the back.
In May 2025, Riley pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder.
Three months before Valley was murdered, Riley was charged with Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon for stabbing another victim. The Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office filed a motion to keep Riley in custody in that case, but it was denied. Valley was murdered three months later.
#albuquerque #homelessawareness #SecondDegreeMurder
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District Attorney Sam Bregman joined leaders at the NM Municipal League Public Safety Summit alongside the Association of Chiefs of Police and the Department of Public Safety.
This important forum focused on tackling New Mexico’s most serious crime challenges and building a unified strategy to keep our communities safe. 💼🚓
“Working together is the only way we create real change for the safety of all New Mexicans.” — DA Bregman
#PublicSafety #NewMexico #CommunitySafety #LawEnforcement #NMDA
🚨 OPERATION ROUTE 66: LATEST IMPACT REPORT 🚨
Multi-Agency Crime Crackdown in Albuquerque
Four agencies — BCSO, NMSP, BernCo DA’s Office Agents, and NM Corrections Probation & Parole — launched Operation Route 66 to target high-crime areas in ABQ. The results are significant:
👤 Arrest Totals:
731 total arrests
246 had pending criminal cases or were on Conditions of Release (CORs)
476 had active arrest warrants
673 warrants cleared
7 juvenile arrests
7 homicide-related arrests
🔍 Evidence Seized:
35,456 fentanyl pills
951.01 grams of methamphetamine
64 stolen vehicles recovered
52 firearms confiscated
This operation marks a major strike against violent crime, drug trafficking, and stolen property in one of Albuquerque’s most affected regions.
#OperationRoute66 #ABQCrime #LawEnforcement #FentanylCrisis #SaferCommunities
Former Middle School Teacher to Stay in Jail on Rape Charges
A judge has decided that Patrick Corr, a former teacher at John Adams Middle School in Albuquerque, will remain in custody as his case moves through the court system.
Corr is facing charges of criminal sexual penetration. According to investigators, he had sexual relationships with minors and gave them alcohol.
The investigation is ongoing, and Corr will stay in jail while the legal process continues.