On a day meant for celebration, Mother's Day of 2022 turned into a scene of immense tragedy in an Albuquerque, New Mexico, parking lot. In the middle of the day, on May 8, 2022, 17-year-old Alexia Rael and her 16-year-old cousin, Mario Salgado-Rosales, were fatally shot outside of a Party City. The female teenager had her entire life ahead of her, with aspirations of becoming a lawyer to help those in need.
She was known as a daughter, sister, and friend who had a passion for arts and sciences.
The gunman was identified as 52-year-old Bradley Wallin, who ended his own life after killing the two cousins. An investigation into the devastating event revealed a disturbing background. Wallin was the ex-boyfriend of Alexia's mother, and a month prior to the shooting, a temporary restraining order had been filed against him. This legal action was taken after Alexia made allegations that Wallin had sexually abused her for two years.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department was actively investigating the sexual abuse claims at the time of the murder-suicide. A hearing for a permanent restraining order against Wallin had been scheduled for later in the same month that the killings took place. The restraining order application noted that Wallin was in possession of a 9mm 380 Ruger. The tragic incident cut short the lives of two young individuals, leaving a permanent scar on their families and the community.
