Nicole Ann Maldonado, a 35-year-old resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, tragically lost her life on January 17, 2024. The incident occurred in the parking lot of Adam Food Market, located at the intersection of Central and Pennsylvania in Albuquerque. Maldonado was shot and killed at this location, which has been described by local law enforcement as one of the most dangerous intersections in the state.
The Albuquerque Police Department responded to the scene on the night of January 17,
where they found Maldonado had been fatally shot. This homicide marked the seventh such incident at or near the Adam Food Market in recent years, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns in the area. The market has been a focal point for criminal activity, with a history of drug trafficking, assaults, and multiple homicides.
On March 1, 2024, the APD announced that they had charged a suspect, Alexander Ortiz, with Maldonado's murder. Ortiz, 20 years old, was already wanted in connection with another homicide that had occurred just six days prior to Maldonado's death. In that case, Ortiz allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan, at her Northeast Heights apartment.
Detectives investigating both cases identified Ortiz as a suspect in Maldonado's murder while searching for him in connection with Farfan's death. On February 21, 2024, law enforcement tracked Ortiz to a residence near the Adam Food Market, believed to be the same location he fled to after the shooting. SWAT officers from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office apprehended Ortiz after he was barricaded inside the residence.
Following Ortiz's arrest, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence and discovered multiple parts of a. 40 caliber handgun, including an extended magazine, a 50-round drum magazine, a Glock 22. 40cal slide,. 40cal ammunition, and a mobile phone. Investigators determined that several of these firearm parts were similar to those used in the homicide at the Adam Food Market.
Ortiz now faces numerous charges related to Maldonado's death, including an open count of murder, murder with a depraved mind, felony murder with a firearm enhancement, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder resulting in death, multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence.
The tragic death of Nicole Ann Maldonado has once again brought attention to the ongoing safety issues surrounding the Adam Food Market and the broader challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing crime in the area. Local authorities and community members continue to grapple with finding effective solutions to improve safety and reduce violence in this part of Albuquerque.
