Albuquerque, NM – Detectives have charged a 20-year-old mother, Amillia Garcia, following the tragic shooting death of her 2-year-old son in a southeast Albuquerque apartment on Sunday. The young boy was found with a fatal gunshot wound after his mother, who was in another room, heard a loud noise and rushed to his side.
Authorities report that a handgun with an extended magazine was discovered near the child’s body. In a distressing turn of events, Amillia Garcia rushed her son to the upper level of the apartment in a desperate attempt for help. Other residents were present there, including Angelica Lucero, who instructed some individuals to evacuate the premises with the weapon.
The police were called to the scene around 3 p.m., where despite lifesaving attempts, the child was pronounced dead. In addition to Garcia, also detained were Lucero and her boyfriend, Angel Cordova, who later returned to the apartment with a bag containing two firearms, including the one suspected in the shooting.
During police interviews, Garcia admitted that the handgun was hers, claiming she had acquired it on the street for protection amid ongoing domestic disputes with a family member. A search of the apartment later uncovered several other firearms.
This tragic incident prompted immediate action from investigators, leading to multiple charges. Garcia has been charged with child abuse resulting in death and tampering with evidence. Meanwhile, Lucero faces charges for tampering with evidence.
Cordova, aged 25, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and tampering with evidence. Additionally, another individual, Angel Morales, 22, has been charged with two counts of tampering with evidence.
The involvement of multiple firearms and the presence of other individuals during the incident have broadened the scope of the investigation, bringing to fore the ongoing challenge of gun safety and unauthorized possession.
Tragedies such as these highlight the pressing issues surrounding gun ownership and the importance of stringent measures for the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children, against firearm-related incidents.
The case continues to evolve as the Albuquerque Police Department and prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Office work closely to uncover more details and ensure those responsible face justice.
In the U.S., where gun ownership is deeply ingrained in society, the availability of firearms often leads to unintended and sometimes tragic consequences. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the potential dangers that can occur when firearms are improperly secured or managed.
As the legal proceedings continue, it is crucial to remember that all parties involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The community and authorities alike hope for a resolution that brings justice for the young victim and prevents future occurrences of such devastating events.