In Albuquerque, N.M., two men, Jose Romero and Nathen Garley, were sentenced to life in prison for the 2023 shooting death of 11-year-old Froylan Villegas outside a baseball stadium. The tragic incident, which involved misidentification of a vehicle, also left Froylan’s cousin, Tatiana, paralyzed, while their mother and baby brother escaped unharmed. A jury found both men guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and related charges. They received life sentences plus an additional 46 years, ensuring they will remain incarcerated permanently.
The shooting prompted significant public outcry and led New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to declare a public health emergency in response to escalating gun violence, specifically citing incidents involving children. She temporarily suspended the right to carry guns in certain parks and playgrounds within the greater Albuquerque area. This controversial decision sparked protests and legal challenges from gun rights advocates.
District Attorney Sam Bregman, who is also a Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, remarked that the shootings have profoundly impacted the community and commended his team’s efforts in seeking justice for the victims. The tragic event has highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence and its repercussions in New Mexico, raising questions about public safety and legislative responses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of gun-related incidents, particularly affecting vulnerable populations, such as children.
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