ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque Police Department (APD) detectives have arrested a second suspect in connection with the June 25 shooting death of Denise Duran, which occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 404 Espanola St. SE.
Joseph Rivera, 21, was identified as the alleged shooter and was taken into custody on Wednesday, July 16. He faces multiple charges, including an open count of murder, conspiracy, and shooting at or from a motor vehicle resulting in death.
Rivera’s arrest follows the earlier apprehension of Erick Pacheco, 54, who was charged for his role in the incident. Witnesses reported that Pacheco arrived at the complex in a red Dodge Charger. Rivera, a passenger in the vehicle, allegedly opened fire, fatally striking Duran. A resident of the complex returned fire as the Charger fled the scene.
APD’s ShotSpotter system detected two volleys of gunfire at 11:25 p.m.—three initial shots followed by three more seconds later. Investigators used the department’s Automatic License Plate Reader system to track the Charger’s movements before and after the shooting. Surveillance footage also placed Pacheco and the vehicle at several locations leading up to the homicide.
Rivera is facing the following charges:
- Open count of murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Shooting at or from a motor vehicle resulting in death
- Tampering with evidence
- Conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence
- Shooting at an occupied dwelling
- Felony criminal damage to property
The investigation remains ongoing.
