Leon Garcia, a 2-year-old boy from Albuquerque, New Mexico, tragically lost his life on April 7, 2025, after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest inside a southeast Albuquerque apartment. His mother, 20-year-old Amillia Marie Garcia, was arrested and charged with child abuse resulting in death, tampering with evidence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities reported that the firearm used in the incident was purchased illegally off the streets.
The Albuquerque Police Department responded to the scene after receiving a call from family members, who initially indicated that the shooting may have been accidental.
Upon arrival, officers found Leon Garcia with a gunshot wound to his chest. His mother told police that she had heard a loud bang moments before discovering her son in the living room, with a firearm featuring an extended magazine lying next to his body. Investigators later determined that the firearm had been removed from the apartment before police arrived. Three other individuals—Angel Morales, 22, Angelica Lucero, 24, and Angel Cordova, 25—were also charged with tampering with evidence for allegedly taking the firearm from the scene. Cordova admitted to police that he had wiped the gun and was asked to remove it from the apartment.
Authorities are considering additional charges against Amillia Garcia under the Bennie Hargrove Safe Storage Act, which holds parents accountable for negligently allowing minors access to firearms. Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina emphasized the importance of enforcing this law, stating that such incidents highlight the dangers of illegally purchased firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also joined the investigation.
Following her initial arrest, Amillia Garcia was released under pretrial supervision but was later taken into custody again after being caught shoplifting with a minor at a local Walmart. A judge has since ruled that she will remain in custody while her cases proceed through the judicial system. The tragic death of Leon Garcia has sparked discussions about firearm safety and parental responsibility, with advocacy groups urging stricter enforcement of gun storage laws to prevent similar incidents in the future.
