Brent Francis, a 25-year-old Hispanic man described by his mother as outgoing and always willing to help others, was killed on the morning of October 21, 2024, in a senseless act of violence as he arrived for his job in Farmington, New Mexico. He was a complete stranger to his attacker and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The tragedy began around 5:12 a.m. when Andrew Whittenberg, 36, broke into a home on Kayenta Drive.
After stealing an AR-15 rifle from the residence, he walked to a nearby house on English Road. There, he shot and killed his 45-year-old former girlfriend, Kelly Heath, in her driveway. A forensic pathologist later testified that she died instantly from a single gunshot wound to the head. Whittenberg, who had a long criminal record and had been released from custody less than a month prior, then continued his violent spree.
Whittenberg proceeded to Ralph W. Miller Inc., a business located at 3720 Herrera Road. He banged on the door, holding the rifle, and asked an employee for a ride. At approximately 5:44 a.m., Brent Francis pulled into the parking lot to start his workday. While Francis sat in his truck eating a breakfast burrito, Whittenberg opened fire on the vehicle. Francis was shot multiple times, suffering catastrophic injuries to his head and back. He did not know Whittenberg.
After the shootings, Whittenberg fled the scene, hiding the rifle in some tumbleweeds in an alley. Law enforcement from the Farmington Police Department and San Juan County Sheriff’s Office intercepted and arrested him near a Sonic on East Main Street. He was described as being under the influence of narcotics. Whittenberg was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm, tampering with evidence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In July 2026, Whittenberg faced a five-day jury trial. His defense argued that his actions were not deliberate because he was high on methamphetamine, but the prosecution maintained he made a series of conscious choices. After deliberating for only 40 minutes, the jury found him guilty on all charges. At the sentencing hearing, family members gave emotional testimony. "You took my son’s life," said Jennifer Tom, Brent's mother. "You took him from me, and my son is never going to come home to me."
District Court Judge Curtis Gurley sentenced Andrew Whittenberg to two consecutive life sentences, each with a 30-year minimum, plus an additional 16.5 years. The total sentence of 76.5 years in prison closed the case in July 2026, bringing a measure of justice to the families of Brent Francis and Kelly Heath.
