Albuquerque Serial Killer

Serial Killer

Unsolved Serial Killings in Albuquerque: The West Mesa Murders

Discovery of the Burial Site

In February 2009, a woman walking her dog in the West Mesa area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, stumbled upon a human bone protruding from the ground. This grim discovery led authorities to unearth the remains of eleven women and one unborn child buried in a desert area adjacent to 118th Street SW. The victims were believed to have been buried between 2001 and 2005, but despite extensive investigations, the perpetrator(s) remain unidentified.

Identified Victims

The following is a list of the identified victims, along with their ages and the approximate time they went missing:

• Victoria Chavez (26) – Last seen in 2005.
• Virginia Cloven (24) – Reported missing in 2004.
• Syllannia Edwards (15) – Endangered runaway from Lawton, Oklahoma, last seen in 2004.
• Cinnamon Elks (32) – Disappeared between 2004 and 2005.
• Doreen Marquez (24) – Last seen between 2003 and 2005.
• Julie Nieto (24) – Went missing between 2004 and 2005.
• Veronica Romero (28) – Disappeared between 2004 and 2005.
• Evelyn Salazar (27) – Last seen in April 2004.
• Michelle Valdez (22) – Disappeared between 2004 and 2005.

These women, many of whom were involved in vulnerable lifestyles, vanished without significant public or media attention until the mass grave was discovered.

Investigation and Suspects

The investigation into the West Mesa murders has been extensive but has yet to result in any arrests. Several individuals have been considered persons of interest:

• Lorenzo Montoya – Lived approximately two miles from the burial site. In 2006, Montoya was killed during a violent encounter with a sex worker, leading investigators to consider his possible involvement. However, the murders appeared to cease after his death.
• Fred Reynolds – A pimp who knew one of the missing women and reportedly possessed photos of other missing sex workers. He died of natural causes in January 2009.
• Joseph Blea – Known as the "Mid-School Rapist" for attacks on young girls in the 1980s. In 2015, he was convicted of sexual assault, and evidence suggested a possible connection to the West Mesa victims.

Despite these leads, no conclusive evidence has been found to charge anyone with the murders. ...Read More

Confirmed Victims: (0)

West Mesa murders - Wikipedia

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