APD Not Notified Murder Suspect Cut his Ankle Monitor

Aug. 25, 2021

ALBUQUERQUE - The Albuquerque Police Department learned today that murder suspect Trey Bausby cut his ankle monitor and failed to show up at a halfway house on Tuesday. However, the Court did not officially notify APD, and took 24 hours before issuing an arrest warrant for Bausby, who is accused of stabbing a woman to death in January.

Bausby, 19, was arrested and charged for the Jan. 29, 2021 murder of Jessica Benavidez at a hotel in the Northeast Heights.

Judge Richard Brown denied a motion to keep Bausby detained until trial. The Court instead ordered Bausby to be released from jail with GPS monitoring and other conditions. The DA’s Office asked the judge to reconsider releasing Bausby because there was evidence prior to his arrest that he asked a friend for money so he could leave town. The judge denied that motion, as well.

“The Court is putting too much faith into ankle monitors, rather than keeping offenders in jail,” APD Chief Harold Medina said. “Making matters worse, we get no notification from the Court that a dangerous murder suspect has been on the loose for nearly 24 hours. Our officers and the public are at risk by these decisions.”