ALBUQUERQUE, NM – An 18-year-old Albuquerque girl, Reina Aragon, was tragically killed in a stabbing incident on Friday night, leaving her family and friends in shock and grief. The heartbreaking event unfolded at the Sandia Village Apartments, where a love triangle involving Aragon, her ex-boyfriend, and his current girlfriend reportedly led to the fatal encounter.
Vincent Aragon, Reina’s father, received the devastating news over the weekend. “I was planning a graduation, not a funeral,” he said, expressing the profound loss of his daughter, who was set to graduate from Moriarty High School and had aspirations to join the Air Force.
Police reports indicate that Reina was attempting to collect her belongings from her ex-boyfriend, Jason Clifford, when the situation escalated. Despite her father’s advice to distance herself, Reina was confronted by Clifford and his girlfriend, Ashlynn Battle, leading to a violent altercation.
Witnesses reported seeing Reina allegedly damaging Clifford’s vehicle, which led to the confrontation. Battle told police that Reina approached their car aggressively, prompting her to stab Reina in what she claims was self-defense. The autopsy revealed four stab wounds, including one that pierced Reina’s heart.
Vincent Aragon is determined to honor his daughter’s memory by sharing her story, especially in light of online comments supporting Battle’s claims of self-defense. “It’s just not self-defense,” Vincent stated. “That girl took my daughter from me.”
Reina’s ambitions and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on those who knew her. “She had so many plans and dreams,” Vincent said, describing Reina as a loving individual who wanted to serve her country and explore the world beyond Albuquerque.
As the investigation continues, Battle faces an open count of murder, with no charges yet announced for Clifford. The community remains in mourning, grappling with the senseless loss of a promising young life.
Vincent Aragon’s commitment to preserving his daughter’s memory is unwavering. “She was supposed to be here,” he reflected, mourning the future that was unjustly taken from Reina.