ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque Police Department detectives have charged five teenagers in connection with the June 10 shooting death of 35-year-old Marlene Gutierrez near Central Avenue and Zuni Road SE.
According to investigators, the group was driving around Albuquerque in the early morning hours when they ran low on gas. A witness told police that three of the teens decided to rob homeless individuals in an attempt to get money for fuel.
The teens reportedly stopped near an alleyway south of 9201 Central Ave. NE. Two of them allegedly exited the vehicle armed with handguns and approached people in the alley, demanding money.
During the attempted robbery, someone from a nearby travel trailer fired at the teens. Police say the teens returned fire, and one of them allegedly fired two additional rounds before the group fled the scene.
Gutierrez was struck during the exchange of gunfire. A witness reported hearing her cry out, “you hit me,” and “it hurts.” The same witness described one of the suspects as a young male wearing a red wig, a mask, and dark clothing, and carrying two handguns.
Four of the teens have been arrested. One remains at large.
All five face multiple charges, including:
- Open count of murder
- Attempt to commit a felony with armed robbery
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Conspiracy to commit armed robbery
- Tampering with evidence
- Unlawful possession of a handgun
This is a developing story. Authorities are continuing their investigation.
