In Albuquerque, New Mexico, two teenage brothers received 20-year prison sentences each on Monday for their involvement in a tragic drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of a 5-year-old girl in 2023. This incident was part of an alarming rise in violence, which prompted the state’s governor to declare a public health emergency.
The governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, representing the Democratic Party, had initially responded to the mounting violence by suspending the right to carry firearms in public parks and playgrounds within New Mexico’s largest metropolitan area. However, this order was rescinded a year later.
The state remains challenged by violent acts committed by juveniles in Albuquerque and other regions, with new incidents and arrests related to a deadly hit-and-run causing further distress in communities.
Bernalillo County prosecutors announced the sentencing through social media, which included a 16-year sentence for another defendant. Two additional defendants received lighter sentences. Each of the five accused, including the brothers, accepted plea deals.
During court proceedings, the brothers expressed remorse, apologizing for the pain they caused, according to a report by KOB-TV, a local news station in Albuquerque.
When the drive-by shooting occurred, the perpetrators ranged from 15 to 19 years old. The unfortunate event took place just before 6 a.m. on August 13, 2023. Police reports indicate that Galilea Samaniego was asleep with her two sisters in their mobile home when the teenagers drove into their community using two stolen vehicles and began shooting.
The intended target was another teenage boy who resided in the same trailer, according to investigators. Their findings suggest that the target had an ongoing conflict, dating back to middle school, with one of the suspects, which had subsequently escalated.
Law enforcement officials stated that the attackers fired numerous shots from at least one vehicle aimed at the trailer, tragically resulting in the girl being struck in the head. She succumbed to her injuries at a hospital sometime later.
Home Teens Sentenced for Deadly Albuquerque Shooting