On a tragic Sunday evening in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the life of 46-year-old Hispanic female Paula Serda was cut short in a violent act that also claimed the life of her boyfriend. On October 20, 2024, Serda and 44-year-old Michael Martinez were driving near the intersection of Coors Boulevard NW and Quail Road NW when they were fatally shot in what investigators believe may have been a road rage incident.
The suddenness of the event left the community in shock and a family grappling with an immense loss.
When Albuquerque Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene, they discovered a sport utility vehicle with two victims inside who had sustained gunshot wounds. Serda was pronounced deceased at the scene, while Martinez was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The case is now being handled by the Homicide Unit as a double homicide investigation. Friends and family remembered Serda as a sweet person who always had a smile on her face. A candlelight vigil was held to honor the lives of both victims, as their loved ones continue to seek justice.
In the ongoing investigation, authorities have identified a vehicle of interest in connection with the shooting. They are searching for a white Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class SUV, with model years ranging from 2010 to 2015, which was reported to not have a license plate. The Albuquerque Police Department has urged the public to come forward with any information they might have regarding this vehicle or the incident itself.
As of now, no arrests have been made in the case, and the suspect or suspects responsible for the deaths of Paula Serda and Michael Martinez remain at large. The families of the victims have made a public plea for assistance in identifying those responsible. In lieu of flowers, Serda's family has requested that donations be made to Crime Stoppers, as the investigation continues and the community hopes for a resolution to this senseless act of violence.
