APD arrests woman for killing husband
ALBUQUERQUE – APD detectives arrested Erica Valdez today and charged her with Tuesday’s murder of her husband, Joel Valdez in Southwest Albuquerque.
The couple had been fighting for the past few months, according to relatives. The disputes between them escalated in the past week as Erica and Joel Valdez accused each other of having relationships outside their marriage.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, Joel Valdez confronted Erica Valdez and another man at a motel. The man pointed a handgun at Joel Valdez. Erica Valdez also appeared at the doorway with a handgun, and Joel Valdez left the motel.
Later that evening, at 9:40 p.m., Erica Valdez showed up at the home she shared with Joel Valdez, located at 10039 Andrews Ave., S.E., and pointed a handgun at his chest. As Erica Valdez left the home, surveillance video revealed a volley of automatic gunfire in the area. Damage from gunfire was later located at the house. A relative also reported that Erica Valdez called and said, “I just sprayed the house.”
APD received a 911 call from the home on Andrews Ave. at 9:41 p.m. and the 911 call-taker heard a female screaming at the male, stating, “I am going to shoot you and hit you with this gun.” The confrontation continued, and the female could be heard saying, “You better get that female out of the house before I shoot her.” Officers attempted to make contact at the home, but did not locate anyone.
Additional surveillance showed the same car return to the area shortly after 11 p.m. and another verbal altercation can be seen. As the car left, another volley of automatic gunfire could be heard.
Family members arrived in the area and saw Joel Valdez’s on 98th Street. They checked on the home and went to look for Joel on 98th Street because they had learned Erica Valdez had shot at the home. They spotted Joel Valdez’s car with the door open, and noticed a dark sedan that appeared to be Erica Valdez’s car make a U-turn and leave the area. They found Joel’s body on the road, next to his car. First-responders arrived at the scene and determined Joel Valdez died as a result of gunshot wound.
APD detectives arrested Erica Valdez this afternoon and will be booking her into the Metro Detention Center on an open count of murder, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, shooting at a dwelling or occupied building and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
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