ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – KRQE News 13 is learning more about the teens accused of a botched robbery that left one of them dead and seven others now arrested. Some of them have a criminal history, including the one who died. The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s office said half the teens involved in Wednesday’s incident have a criminal background.
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Police said on Wednesday, a group of eight teens tried to rob a couple while they sat in their jeep at an apartment complex off Tramway north of I-40. They said one of the suspects, 15-year-old Jeriah Salas along with 14-year-old suspect Alonzo Sanderson shot the woman in the passenger seat of the Jeep. The woman’s husband shot back at the teens several times, striking Alonzo, killing him, and grazing 15-year-old Janiyah Pino who was with the group. The woman who was shot is expected to be ok. Police confirmed to KRQE News 13 on Thursday that Alonzo went missing back in 2022.
The Albuquerque Police Department said they have arrested all 7 teens involved in the botched robbery. “Well, I can tell you this. Seven arrest warrants were issued for the eight kids. The only reason the eighth didn’t get one is because he’s dead,” said D.A. Bregman.
Those arrest warrants were for 16-year-old Jocelyn Pino, 14-year-old Elijah Gutierrez, 12-year-old Jathan Gutierrez, 17-year-old Vicente Pino, 15-year-old Janiyah Pino, 13-year-old Levi Salas and 15-year-old Jeriah Salas. “This is really out of control. I don’t know whether or not all the parents were involved in them, but I can tell you this, some of them will be named in our petitions that we file,” said D.A. Bregman.
Some of the teens have a criminal record. APD said Alonzo has an extensive record with the department. KRQE News 13 reported on Jeriah Salas back in 2022, when he was arrested for robberies, he’s accused of committing with his uncle. The DA calling on the legislature to act.
“Kids need to get consequences when they first see the criminal justice system. It’s very, very important that we just don’t put them on probation, slap them on the hand, and say, don’t worry about it, and give you a hug,” said Bregman.
APD says that two of the teens turned themselves on Thursday. The other five were arrested on Wednesday.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said tackling juvenile crime is a major focus this legislative session. She is asking lawmakers to increase penalties.