ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A judge has sentenced Andres Herrera to 40 years in prison for two separate killings he carried out when he was 16 years old.
Herrera was prosecuted as an adult under New Mexico law. In July 2025, he entered no contest pleas to two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Phillip Apodaca and Damion Alday.
October 6, 2023 — Phillip Apodaca Phillip Apodaca was shot and killed outside Resource Brewing Company in Albuquerque. Investigators said he was struck multiple times in the back. Authorities used surveillance evidence, including clothing and a vehicle connected to the suspect, to link Herrera to the shooting.
December 27, 2023 — Damion Alday Nineteen-year-old Damion Alday was shot and killed at Sundoro Park in northwest Albuquerque. Surveillance video captured the shooting. Prosecutors said Herrera later made statements on social media referencing the incident.
Due to the severity of the crimes, Herrera was charged as an adult. The court sentenced him to the New Mexico Corrections Department for 40 years, the maximum penalty allowed under state law for the charges.
