On November 16, 2023, John Herbert 'Tre' Gabaldon III, a 24-year-old male from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was found deceased on Pajarito Mesa, a remote area southwest of the city. Investigators from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office determined that days earlier, he had been kidnapped from a gas station in northwest Albuquerque. Surveillance footage from the gas station captured two vehicles—a newer model van, possibly a Toyota, and a silver Volkswagen sedan—circling the parking lot in
search of someone. Witnesses reported seeing a man being forcibly taken into a van around the same time the vehicles were present.
BCSO detectives believe that John Gabaldon III was specifically targeted, likely over drug-related issues. His phone records and social media activity supported this theory, showing communication and location data that ceased abruptly, suggesting his phone was taken and turned off during the abduction.
As of January 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with the kidnapping and death of John Gabaldon III. BCSO detectives have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with information about the vehicles or individuals involved to come forward. Tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers or by contacting the lead detective directly via email.
John Herbert 'Tre' Gabaldon III is survived by his parents, John Herbert Gabaldon Jr. and Brittni Montano; his daughter, Rose Marie Gabaldon; and several siblings and extended family members. A visitation and prayer service were held on December 5, 2023, at Gabaldon Mortuary, followed by interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
