16-year-old charged with shooting death of teen at Albuquerque park remains in custody

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A 16-year-old teen charged in connection with the murder of a 15-year-old on New Year’s Eve will be detained as he goes through the judicial process, according to a judge’s ruling on Wednesday.

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According to police, Manuel Ortega was at Anderson Mesa Park with his younger brother to buy a gun from 17-year-old Adrian Torres. The two had been communicating through the Telegram app. Police said Torres brought 16-year-old Uriel Alonso to the meeting.

At one point, one of the teens pulled out a gun and shot Ortega, killing him. Both Alonso and Torres are charged with an open count of murder, armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy.