Three Teens Charged in 2025 Albuquerque Murder

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Albuquerque police have arrested a 17-year-old boy, the final suspect in a May 2025 murder case. Johnathan Gurrola is accused, along with two other 17-year-old teens, of killing 19-year-old Luis Ortiz in a confrontation over a drug deal in a parking lot near Old Town. Surveillance video showed the teens fleeing the scene and later returning to take a firearm and alcohol from Ortiz's crashed car.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of youth violence and gun crime in Albuquerque, which has seen a rise in homicides in recent years. The arrests also demonstrate the importance of surveillance technology and community tips in helping police solve serious crimes.

The details

According to police, the three teens - Johnathan Gurrola, Heriberto Hernandez, and Brayan Gurrola (who is Johnathan's cousin) - met 19-year-old Luis Ortiz on May 18, 2025 to buy alcohol from him in a parking lot. A confrontation ensued, and Ortiz was shot and killed. His vehicle then crashed into a wall across the street. Surveillance video showed the teens fleeing the scene, and they later returned to take a firearm and alcohol from Ortiz's car before leaving again.

• On May 18, 2025, the three teens met 19-year-old Luis Ortiz in a parking lot to buy alcohol.
• Gunshots were detected by ShotSpotter technology during the confrontation.
• Ortiz's vehicle was found crashed into a wall across the street from the parking lot.
• Surveillance video showed the teens fleeing the scene after the shooting.
• The teens later returned to the scene to take a firearm and alcohol from Ortiz's car.

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Johnathan Gurrola to be released on bail.