Freddie Jefferson Allen, a 53-year-old resident of Roswell, New Mexico, tragically lost his life on March 24, 2024, in a drive-by shooting incident. The Roswell Police Department received multiple calls reporting gunshots in the southern part of the city on that fateful day. Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers discovered Allen's body inside a vehicle.
The investigation revealed that Allen's car had been struck by approximately 16 bullets on the driver's side door.
Witnesses provided information about a red pickup truck involved in the shooting, which led to a breakthrough in the case. A few hours after the incident, a police sergeant spotted the vehicle in another part of town and conducted a traffic stop.
The authorities arrested 20-year-old Martin Soltero III in connection with the deadly shooting. Soltero, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a rifle and a loaded handgun at the time of his arrest, despite being prohibited from owning firearms due to his criminal history. He claimed that the truck belonged to his deceased brother and denied knowing the victim. However, investigators believe that Soltero and Allen were acquainted to some extent.
Soltero has been charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. He is currently being held at the Chaves County Jail, awaiting a hearing to determine whether he will remain in custody until his trial.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the Roswell Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Freddie Allen's death. This incident has added to the ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States, particularly in New Mexico, which has been reported to have one of the highest rates of police violence in the nation over the past decade.
