ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A man who shot and killed his friend more than a year ago will spend less than five years behind bars. In November 2023, Noah Rodriguez and the victim Darien Earl, fought at a home on the westside over a woman.
Rodriguez claimed Earl started punching and choking him and threatening him with a knife leading to Rodriguez shooting and killing Earl. Detectives determined a knife was placed in Earl’s hand after the shooting. During Tuesday’s sentencing, Earl’s family said his death has changed their lives forever.
Last year Rodriguez pled no contest to voluntary manslaughter. Judge Cindy Leos sentenced Rodriguez to four years behind bars.