On a cold Friday in Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 28, 2022, the life of 30-year-old Anjel Varela was tragically cut short. Varela, a father of two, was found shot to death in the driver's seat of his vehicle in the parking lot of the Skyline apartments on Louisiana Blvd. N.E. His death was the result of a robbery that unfolded during what was purported to be a drug transaction.
Investigators pieced together a plan devised by Brianna Garcia to rob Varela of drugs.
Garcia, along with two others, coordinated the fatal encounter. The alleged shooter was identified as Bobby Lopez, a documented member of the Los Padillas gang. Following an investigation that utilized phone and social media records, authorities filed murder charges against Lopez, Garcia, and Garcia's girlfriend, Danielle Cordova.
In the months that followed, the legal process brought some measure of closure to the case. Brianna Garcia, who was also a suspect in a series of other crimes, pleaded guilty to her role in Varela's death and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Danielle Cordova also pleaded guilty to armed robbery and conspiracy, receiving a 12-year sentence. The triggerman, Bobby Lopez, was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder, armed robbery with a firearm enhancement, and conspiracy. He now faces a life sentence plus an additional 15 years for his role in the deadly robbery.
