APD Honors West Mesa Victims on 15th Anniversary
Feb. 2, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE – On the 15th anniversary of the discovery of the remains of 11 women found on the west mesa, the Albuquerque Police Department is honoring the lives lost and is seeking information in the case.
On February 2, 2009 the remains of 11 women and an unborn fetus were discovered near the intersection of 118th Street and Dennis Chavez Boulevard on the southwest mesa of Albuquerque. The cause of death was determined to be homicidal violence and a task force was formed to investigate the deaths.
Tips continue to be documented, vetted, and added to the tip-line database. Potential suspects have been identified and numerous resources have been used to conduct background on them. The Federal Bureau of Investigations performed a crime analysis in the early stages of the investigation and again in 2013 which included investigative suggestions that have been followed up on.
Since the investigation began and the initial dig was conducted, seven additional land searches have been completed and more than 1,400 tips submitted.
“We have put a tremendous amount of effort into solving this case over the last 15 years and we will not stop in the search for the individual/s responsible,” said Chief Harold Medina. “I can only imagine what the loved ones of the victims have experienced all these years waiting for answers, but this case has never been forgotten, and I too, seek justice for all those impacted by these crimes.”
In addition to the remains found in 2009, eight women remain missing that investigators believe are connected to the case. For more information about the investigation visit, the West Mesa Homicide Investigation page or learn more in this video.
The Albuquerque Police Department, the FBI, and the families of the women found on the west mesa have contributed to a reward of up to $100,000 for information that leads to an arrest and successful prosecution in this case.
Anyone with information on the West Mesa murders is urged to contact (505)-768-2450 or information can reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (505)-843-STOP. You can also contact Investigator Ida Lopez at [email protected].
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