Court records describe four children removed from a home without heat or hot water.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Court records in an Albuquerque child abuse case describe a home filled with trash, a strong odor and four children in dirty diapers after police responded to a child found wandering alone.
The investigation started Oct. 23 near Purple Fringe and Spring streets in southwest Albuquerque. Police said a child was found outside without pants, shoes or socks. Officers reported scratches on the child’s legs and ankles and dried blood on the child’s feet.
After finding the child, officers went to a nearby home. Court records said the back gate and back door were open. Officers entered after repeated knocks and announcements. Inside, police reported debris across the floor and trash piled in the kitchen area.
Police found Jonathan Garcia in a bedroom. Garcia told officers that four children lived there, including 7-year-old twins, a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. Court records said the children had tangled hair and were wearing dirty diapers. Records also said white residue was found in the children’s hair.
The children were taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital for medical exams. One child tested positive for amphetamines, according to court records. The New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department took custody of all four children.
A CYFD worker later told police the family had no natural gas service, meaning the home could not produce heat or hot water. The worker also said the agency had limited contact with Garcia and Vanessa Salazar after the children were removed.
Garcia and Salazar were charged with four counts of abandonment or abuse of a child, along with one count linked to methamphetamine exposure. No court record cited in the case stated how the child became exposed to amphetamines.
The children were referred for therapy and nutritional support through CYFD. The next major step is the court process for Garcia and Salazar, while the children remain under state custody.
Author note: Last updated July 6, 2026.