New Mexico 'serial killer' murdered 11 women in unsolved case, 8 victims still missing
Authorities suspect a serial killer could be behind the deaths of 11 women and a yet unborn fetus, who were discovered in New Mexico. City and law enforcement officials have solicited help from the community to solve the West Mesa murders.
A&E reported how the group burial had all the hallmarks of a serial killer's actions. According to the Associated Press, February 2, 2022, marked the 13th anniversary of the discovery of the first remains connected to the homicides. Detectives are currently ruling out possible suspects and have admitted there are "more than a few" suspects linked to the alleged serial killings.
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“The only way this case is going to get solved is with our community’s help or even communities around us that might know something," Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said at a Wednesday, February 2 morning news conference. “We need new information on this case, that is what is going to lead to it getting solved.”
The case of "The West Mesa Bone Collector" is the most prominent homicide case in the city's history, according to Newsweek. The Albuquerque Police Department first discovered a femur in 2009 in West Mesa, and it led them to unearth the bones of 11 women and girls who mysteriously disappeared between 2003 and 2005. The victims have since been identified as Monica Candelaria, Victoria Chavez, Virginia Cloven, Syllannia Edwards, Cinnamon Elks, Doreen Marquez, Julie Nieto, Veronica Romero, Evelyn Salazar, Michelle Valdez, and Jamie Barela.
Today marks 13 years since the remains of 11 women were found on the West Mesa. It’s our commitment to the victims and their families to never give up on finding answers and getting justice. Even though it’s painful, we need to tell their story as we ask our community for help. pic.twitter.com/O42WdJh1sj
— Mayor Tim Keller (@MayorKeller) February 3, 2022
City Councilor Klarissa Peña read their names aloud during the Wednesday news conference on February 2. "These family members just want closure," she said. "We hope that there are tips out there or anybody who knows anything can help in closing this case so the families can finally put their family members to rest in peace.”
Ten of the women have been linked to drugs and prostitution, authorities revealed, but there is no information yet on why the eleventh victim was targetted. Aside from the identified women, eight other females are still missing. According to Newsweek, the remaining missing women have a similar background to the women who have already been identified.
"13 years is a long time to wait for justice and we are committed to finding answers for all the families who lost loved ones to this tragedy," Police Chief Harold Medina said at the site where the initial bone was discovered. More than 1,184 tips have come in since the case was opened, police revealed. Investigators believe the killer of the women was possibly charming and felt secure in the place where they buried the victims.
Anyone with information on the West Mesa murders is urged to contact (505)-768-2450 or @CrimeStoppersNM You can also contact Investigator Ida Lopez at ILopez@cabq.gov. There is a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest. https://t.co/4725aUBZQX
— Albuquerque Police Department (@ABQPOLICE) February 2, 2022
Thanks to the help of The Albuquerque Police Department, the FBI, and the families of the women, anyone coming forward with information leading to an arrest and successful prosecution in the case is entitled to a $100,000 reward. If you or anyone you know may have information about the case, you are urged to contact 505-768-2450 or Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP.