On June 4, 2023, at approximately 7:30 AM, Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to a domestic violence call at 206 San Clemente Ave NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon arrival, they found 19-year-old Jazmin Lerma deceased inside the residence with at least one gunshot wound.
The suspect in Lerma's murder was identified as 20-year-old Julius Falero, her ex-boyfriend. Falero was reportedly holding Lerma against her will before the incident.
When officers arrived at the scene, Falero discharged a firearm and fled the location. At the time of his escape, Falero was described as standing 5'8', weighing about 125 pounds, with a dark complexion and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a doo rag on his head, no shirt, and gray sweatpants.
APD detectives immediately launched a search for Falero, who was considered armed and dangerous. It was noted that Falero already had an active felony warrant for shooting another individual in 2022. The police urged the public to come forward with any information about Falero's whereabouts.
On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, two days after the murder, Falero's body was discovered in the area of the 6900 block of Edith Blvd NE. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and determined that Falero had died by suicide, having been found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies also recovered Lerma's phone, which Falero had taken after killing her.
With the death of the suspect, the Albuquerque Police Department has closed the case. The tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of addressing such issues in the community.
