Albuquerque Police Remain Committed to Solving 17-Year-Old West Mesa Murders

Investigators serve new search warrant and continue ground and aerial searches related to the case

Published on Feb. 2, 2026

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The Albuquerque Police Department says the investigation into the 2009 West Mesa murders, where the remains of 11 women and an unborn fetus were discovered, remains active and ongoing 17 years later. Detectives have served a new search warrant and are working with local partners on additional searches as they continue to pursue leads and seek justice for the victims and their families.

Why it matters

The West Mesa murders have haunted Albuquerque for nearly two decades, with the victims' families still seeking closure and the community wanting answers. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving cold cases, especially those involving marginalized victims, and the importance of perseverance in pursuing justice.

The details

On February 2, 2009, the remains of 11 women and an unborn fetus were discovered in shallow graves near the intersection of 118th Street and Amole Mesa Road in Albuquerque's West Mesa area. The cause of death for each victim was determined to be homicidal violence. A task force was formed to investigate the murders, which are still being led by APD Homicide Detective Conor Coleman and Cold Case Homicide Investigator Ida Lopez.

  • The remains were discovered on February 2, 2009.
  • Monday, February 2, 2026 marked the 17th anniversary of the discovery.

The players

Albuquerque Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Albuquerque, New Mexico that is leading the investigation into the West Mesa murders.

Cecily Barker

The Interim Chief of the Albuquerque Police Department.

Conor Coleman

The APD Homicide Detective leading the investigation into the West Mesa murders.

Ida Lopez

The APD Cold Case Homicide Investigator also leading the investigation into the West Mesa murders.

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What they’re saying

“These women were daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends, and their families have carried this loss for 17 years. We owe it to them to continue this work with urgency, compassion, and determination. Our detectives have never stopped pursuing answers, and we will not forget the women who are still missing.”

— Cecily Barker, Interim Chief, Albuquerque Police Department (KRQE)

“No piece of information is too small. We have traveled across the country to speak with individuals about this case, and every lead matters. We are committed to the victims, their families, and to the women who are still missing.”

— Ida Lopez, Cold Case Homicide Investigator, Albuquerque Police Department (KRQE)

What’s next

Investigators plan to continue reviewing cold cases from across the region for potential connections to the West Mesa murders, and are revamping the city's West Mesa webpage to improve public access to case information.

The takeaway

The West Mesa murders case demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Albuquerque Police Department to solving cold cases, even decades later, and their determination to provide closure for the victims' families and the community. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating complex, long-running investigations, but also the importance of perseverance in pursuing justice.