On February 24, 2019, Derrick Casey, a 48-year-old resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, lost his life to gun violence. The incident occurred during a confrontation at an apartment located at 1200 Madeira Dr. S.E. in Albuquerque.
The investigation into Casey's murder led to the arrest of his girlfriend, Jasminn Obleton, on June 9, 2022. According to the Albuquerque Police Department Obleton, who was 34 years old at the time of her arrest, was alleged to have shot Casey in the back of the
neck during the confrontation. Following the shooting, Obleton admitted to enlisting the help of friends to drag Casey's body down some stairs and drive it to a parking lot at 1008 Alvarado S.E., where the body was left wrapped in a tarp and a blanket.
The APD homicide detectives gathered significant evidence, including witness statements and other facts, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Obleton in February 2022. She was subsequently arrested and booked into the Metro Detention Center on charges of an open count of murder and tampering with evidence. In addition to Obleton's arrest, two other suspects were also apprehended earlier in 2022 and charged for their roles in the murder.
The case highlights the complex and often delayed process of justice, as it took nearly three years from the time of the murder to the arrest and charging of the primary suspect. The investigation and subsequent arrests underscore the diligent efforts of the APD to bring those responsible for violent crimes to justice, even in cases where the passage of time might complicate the gathering of evidence and testimony.
