On May 3, 2024, Samantha Cisneros, age 23, from Texico, New Mexico, was tragically killed at Ned Houk Park, located about five miles north of Clovis, New Mexico. Cisneros was found dead alongside another victim, Taryn Allen, also 23 years old. Both women had been shot multiple times, and Cisneros' body showed signs of being struck by a vehicle.
The incident also involved Cisneros' two young children.
Her 5-year-old daughter was found at the scene with a gunshot wound to the head and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Cisneros' 10-month-old daughter, Eleia Maria Torres, was initially reported missing, triggering an Amber Alert.
On May 6, 2024, authorities arrested Alek Isaiah Collins, a 26-year-old man from the Houston area, in connection with the murders, kidnapping, and assault. Collins was apprehended in Abilene, Texas, where the missing infant, Eleia Maria Torres, was also found alive and safe.
The arrest came after a dramatic series of events. As officers prepared to serve a search warrant at the residence where Collins was staying, he was seen exiting the home with the baby and getting into an Uber. Collins then allegedly forced the Uber driver out of the vehicle at gunpoint and attempted to flee. However, law enforcement pursued and successfully apprehended him.
Collins is facing multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and child abuse. Federal authorities may also charge him with interstate kidnapping of a child. At the time of his arrest, Collins was booked into the Taylor County Jail in Abilene on charges of Aggravated Robbery and Assaulting a Peace Officer.
Investigators are still working to establish a motive for the crimes. As of now, it appears that Collins did not have any prior connection to the victims. The incident has left the community of Clovis in shock, with authorities and family members seeking answers about the tragic events that unfolded at Ned Houk Park.
