Albuquerque Family Honors Mother's Memory, Law Enforcement Support After Tragic Murder

10 years after Ruth Schwed's death, her daughter reflects on the community that helped her family through the darkest days.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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In February 2016, 75-year-old Ruth Schwed of Albuquerque was murdered during a violent home invasion while on vacation in Arizona. Her daughter, Robin Brulé, speaks about the outpouring of support from law enforcement in both New Mexico and Arizona who worked tirelessly to bring justice for Ruth and her friend Barbara Leslie. Brulé continues to honor her mother's memory and the people who helped her family through the tragedy.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of community support and the vital role law enforcement plays in helping families cope with unimaginable loss. It showcases how compassionate officers can make a lasting impact, even in the darkest of circumstances.

The details

After Schwed went missing, her family in Albuquerque grew increasingly concerned. Her son noticed suspicious credit card charges, but they hoped it was just identity theft. When police in Arizona found the bodies of Schwed and her friend Barbara Leslie, former Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputies Greg Rees and Kyle Hartsock immediately jumped in to support the grieving family, working with Arizona authorities to investigate the murders. Rees stayed with the family all night, refusing to let them face the tragedy alone. Three men were eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the killings.

  • In February 2016, Ruth Schwed was murdered during a home invasion in Surprise, Arizona.
  • It has been 10 years since Schwed's death.

The players

Ruth Schwed

A 75-year-old Albuquerque woman who was murdered during a home invasion while on vacation in Arizona.

Robin Brulé

Schwed's daughter, who speaks about honoring her mother's memory and the support her family received from law enforcement.

Greg Rees

A former Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputy who stayed with Brulé's family all night, refusing to let them face the tragedy alone.

Kyle Hartsock

A former Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputy who joined the investigation into the fraudulent use of Schwed's credit card, since she was an Albuquerque resident.

Barbara Leslie

Schwed's friend who was also murdered during the home invasion in Surprise, Arizona.

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What they’re saying

“And I could tell immediately by the operator that something was drastically wrong. Because she was like, I'm so sorry. Yes, they're out there. But we're going to need to call you back...and I remember sitting in my living room just panicked and crying.”

— Robin Brulé, Schwed's daughter (KRQE)

“That he refused to let us face the darkness alone....and as far as I'm concerned, and my family's concerned, he's part of our family.”

— Robin Brulé, Schwed's daughter (KRQE)

“Every year, they send the flowers to my wife, and they're like, you know, you were gone for 30 hours, you know, and this is there to let her know how much we appreciate you. I know how much they appreciate me. So it's just very nice.”

— Greg Rees, Former Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputy (KRQE)

What’s next

The family continues to honor Ruth Schwed's memory and the law enforcement officers who supported them through this tragedy.

The takeaway

This story underscores the profound impact that compassionate law enforcement can have on families dealing with unimaginable loss, and the importance of community support in the darkest of times.