Adrian Vallejos, a 34-year-old Hispanic male described in his obituary as a "fun-loving free spirit" who loved to make people laugh, was killed in the driveway of his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home. Known as "AJ" to his loved ones, he was remembered for having a big heart and always being there to lend a helping hand. He is survived by his parents, two younger brothers, and his fiancée.
The fatal confrontation occurred in the pre-dawn hours of December 16, 2023.
Shortly after 4 a.m., Vallejos and his girlfriend were inside their home at 10108 Cartagena Ave., S.W., when they were alerted by the sound of their car horn and barking dogs. The couple went outside, where they found a group of teenagers attempting to steal Vallejos’s Kia. Surveillance video showed Vallejos, armed with a handgun, as he walked toward the teens and yelled, "Hey, get out of here." Immediately after, a rapid series of gunshots rang out, and Vallejos fell to the ground.
Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to the shooting and found Vallejos with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a local hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. During their investigation, detectives learned that a stolen white Kia, which had been used as a getaway car, had crashed into a wall near the scene of the shooting.
Over the following months, homicide detectives and the department's Digital Intelligence Team used social media and phone data to identify the individuals involved. In total, four teenagers were arrested and charged in connection with the murder. In May 2024, New Mexico State Police arrested 18-year-old Juanito Montoya. In August, authorities arrested 17-year-old Andres Pedroza, who was 16 at the time of the homicide and was identified as the alleged shooter. Two other teens, Zane Dougherty and Yaquez McKenzie, were also charged.
Yaquez McKenzie, who was 16 at the time of the crime, was charged as an adult and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He was subsequently sentenced to 18.5 years in prison. Two other suspects who were also juveniles when the crime occurred have been sentenced as well.
As of October 2024, the court proceedings for the alleged shooter, Andres Pedroza, were still pending.
