On December 29, 2018, 14-year-old Ahmed Lateef and 15-year-old Collin Romero, both from Albuquerque, New Mexico, met a tragic and violent end. The two teens were found buried in a remote area of Sandoval County, west of Rio Rancho. The investigation revealed that they had been subjected to severe torture, beating, and multiple gunshot wounds in what appeared to be a botched drug deal in Albuquerque's West Mesa.
The perpetrators of this heinous crime were identified as Stephen Goldman
Jr., Julio Almentero, and Jimmie Atkins. These three men were accused of torturing and killing the two teenagers. A jury trial concluded on February 27, 2023, with all three defendants being found guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder-felony murder, two counts of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, one count of armed robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, two counts of tampering with evidence, and one count of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. Each of the defendants faces two life sentences plus an additional 19.5 years in prison.
The details of the crime are particularly gruesome. Ahmed Lateef was shot 19 times, while Collin Romero was shot 9 times. Both victims were also stabbed and beaten, indicating a prolonged and brutal assault. The bodies were later buried in a remote area, which led to the involvement of another individual, Anthony Aragon. Aragon pleaded guilty to two counts of tampering with evidence and one count of conspiracy for his role in helping to bury the bodies. He was sentenced to six years in prison on January 24, 2022.
The trial and subsequent convictions brought some sense of justice to the families of the victims and the community. District Attorney Sam Bregman praised the prosecutors for their diligent work in bringing the perpetrators to justice, highlighting the extensive efforts made to ensure that those responsible for the brutal killings were held accountable.
The case underscores the severity of drug-related violence and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities. The convictions of Goldman, Almentero, and Atkins serve as a reminder of the consequences of such violent crimes and the importance of justice in providing closure for the victims' families.
