NM - West Mesa Murders (2003-05)

[chicagofa13]

Wow! Thanks for all the background info and hard work!! Very interesting, this guy does sound like a possible Gary Ridgeway. Super scary.

 

[hoppyfrog]

http://www.koat.com/news/18820598/detail.html

1 March 09

The search for remains in the West Mesa is an agonizing wait for some families with missing loved ones.

One said it worries the bones will reveal the worst fear.

Veronica Romero's family said she was last seen at Wyoming Blvd. and Central Ave. nearly five years ago.

It is with mixed emotion that they watch as police continue to recover bones at 118th Street and Dennis Chavez.

more at link

pic
http://www.koat.com/2009/0301/18820411_240X180.jpg

 

[SuziQ]

This was one super evil monster. I'm shaking as I'm typing because of the stuff I'm finding. Creeeeepy! Thank god, he's dead.

Here's Montoya's vitals: Lorenzo M. Montoya; Date of Birth: May 29, 1967; Date of death: Dec 17, 2006

and another interesting article cache after his death


http://tinyurl.com/b7jrx2

That assault victim was lucky she got away. He only had $2 dollars in his wallet meaning he never intended to pay her and was going to kill her.

Thank you for digging up these articles. It gives us a snapshot of what most likely happened to the other victims.

 

[SuziQ]

Here is a link that provides selections of what looks like local TV station coverage. The west mesa graves in media spotlight gives a very good look at where this site is and how big this search site is...thought you might be interested SusiQ.

http://www.clipsyndicate.com/publish/video/851531/west_mesa_graves_in_media_spotlight

Great link thanks!

The below link has a video where LE is going to send a list out to all dentists in the state to get dental records.

http://clipsyndicate.com/publish/video/853468?wpid=0

 

[shadowraiths]

Officials use web to
identify remains
Updated: Sunday, 01 Mar 2009, 11:13 PM MST
Published : Sunday, 01 Mar 2009, 8:28 PM MST
* Reporter: Alex Tomlin
* Web Producer: Devon Armijo

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Investigators have only identified three of the 13 sets of remains found in the West Mesa, so now authorities are looking to the internet for help.

For the first time, law enforcement officials and citizens can search the same database.

Namus.gov , run by the Department of Justice, only recently opened to the public.

Half of the website allows loved ones or victim's advocates to post a missing person, while the other half is run by law enforcement.

Full Article: click here

NamUs - National Missing and Unidentified Person System: click here

 

[shadowraiths]

I do have a question for anyone familar with that city. Is that city located within one county? Or are there suburbs that would be considered a part of the city by locals that are located within another county? If so, may I have a list of those counties please?

Albuquerque is in Bernalillo County, has mountains to the east (Sandias & Manzanos) and is pretty much surrounded by reservations to the north, south, and west. With Sandia Labs & KAFB to the south east at the foot of the Manzaons. The area of the dig is in Bernalillo county and just west of the southwest valley. There are a couple of suburbs, Corrales (in the northwest valley, also in Bernalillo County) and Rio Rancho, on the West Mesa (north of highway 40 and the cliffs). The dig site is south of 40 and the cliffs.

 

[shadowraiths]

Have you worked up a profile on the Unsub yet? I'd be extremely interested in what you think.

While its really too early to know for certain, the fact that there are so many bodies in such a concentrated area, I'm not the least bit surprised they believe this is the work of one individual. Otoh, if they think these murders are related to the sex trade industry, it is possible there are multiple killers and the area is simply being used as a "body dump." Whatever the case may be, the burial, as described in this article, is certainly interesting.

the deepest depth remains were found in was at 9 feet.

That sort of depth would take some serious digging. Esp on the mesa. That is, unless they had a back hoe. You know, what construction workers use when, oh idunno, clearing off an area for a new development, perhaps?

There is also another (though somewhat remote) consideration wrt the depth. And that would be the pre-existence of some sort of underground structure, such as a kiva. Or even an oid bomb shelter from the nuclear war panic days. Another possibility is the bodies were dumped in a ravine and the thing eventually caved in from a flash flood, and washed the remains to their final resting place. They should be able to determine the latter by checking the geological survey maps of the period in question. And, of course, there is the possibility that the identified were dumped in an old Native American burial ground. Though, that I recall, they said the remains dated between 2003-2005. Which would (obviously) rule out the burial ground angle.

So....

Let's say you could rule out the burial ground and ravine/flash flood bit, if any of the other possibilities (hand dug, back hoe, pre-existing structure), pan out, then, imho, it is indicative of premeditated murder as opposed to a crime of convenience. While it is not impossible, I am skeptical that the killer (or killers, as the case may be), murdered the victims, drove them out to some remote west mesa spot, and then dug a 9 foot grave. I am also skeptical that some averge "serial killer" joe picked them up while "cruising" the boulevard, specifically the red light district. Which, iirc, is in the southeast heights, and at minimum, a half hour drive to the dump site.

For example, in the instance of a serial killer, that degree of labor would dilute whatever high he got from the kill. Unless he's posing his victim for later gratification, he's gonna wanna get rid of the body quickly to avoid being caught. And even in the instances of say, tying up loose ends (i.e., the sex trade industry), I would think the hired guns would be skittish of hanging around with a body long enough to dig a 9 foot hole. In fact, the scenario that comes to mind at this point in time, is some sort of out call, where they meet at or near the west mesa killing fields.

As for the sex trade angle? Unless they were "sex slaves" and/or "drug mules," it seems unlikely someone would order their execution. Either way, imho, it would be helpful to know details surrounding their disappearance.

One other thing, I recall another unsolved case involving two murdered women. One was from Albuquerque and the other from Oklahoma City, if I recall correctly. While those two murders may be unrelated, there was something about these murders that reminds me of those murders. And they did occur in the referent time frame. Now if I can just find the stuff I archived on them, I can figure out what that "something" was.

 

[shadowraiths]

While looking for that other case, I stumbled upon 3 additional unsolved homicides, of which one is a "Jane Doe." I've mapped the four locations which can be accessed via google maps. Although the latter murder occurred in 2000, it is interesting to note that she was found within two miles of the dig. Additionally, route-wise, paseo del volcan provides easy access to rio bravo blvd which turns into dennis chavez blvd, eventually intersecting with 118th. What is also notable in the Doe case is the age. The vic was 53. Given the age of the other vics, i cannot help to wonder if the 53 year old woman was someone's mama, hence the beginning of a career in murder? As for the other two unsolved homicides, I doubt they are related. However, I figured I would map them to see if they represented a viable connection. Anyway, just outloud thoughts and prolly an over-active imagination. So, pls, take what you want and heave the rest.

 

[Kat]

That assault victim was lucky she got away. He only had $2 dollars in his wallet meaning he never intended to pay her and was going to kill her.

Thank you for digging up these articles. It gives us a snapshot of what most likely happened to the other victims.

SuziQ I read the articles again, I was under the impression that this assault victim S. Hill was strangled to death in his trailer. When he was taking her out to put her in a neighbors vehicle he was (He=L. Montoya) was seen by her BF and her BF then shot and killed L. Montoya. Did I miss a victim? TIA

 

[Kat]

While looking for that other case, I stumbled upon 3 additional unsolved homicides, of which one is a "Jane Doe." I've mapped the four locations which can be accessed via google maps. Although the latter murder occurred in 2000, it is interesting to note that she was found within two miles of the dig. Additionally, route-wise, paseo del volcan provides easy access to rio bravo blvd which turns into dennis chavez blvd, eventually intersecting with 118th. What is also notable in the Doe case is the age. The vic was 53. Given the age of the other vics, i cannot help to wonder if the 53 year old woman was someone's mama, hence the beginning of a career in murder? As for the other two unsolved homicides, I doubt they are related. However, I figured I would map them to see if they represented a viable connection. Anyway, just outloud thoughts and prolly an over-active imagination. So, pls, take what you want and heave the rest.

SW, I always deeply enjoy your posts. They are thought provoking and informative. Thank you for giving me an image of Albuquerque in my mind.

I also appreciate that you put that map up. I had done a google search and thought that the area you have pinpointed was the area of the dig because when you use the birdseye view google feature in that area you can see a large razed area.

I am now going to read the article that states the third victim has been identified. I have held off assuming all of the remains found were of the women of a certain trade that have been missing.

 

[Kat]

Do we know the identity of the 3rd set of remains found? TIA!

 

[Kat]

http://kob.com/article/stories/s789715.shtml?cat=516

snipped from article:

"Police said the bones Saturday were found nine feet below the surface--a sign they say of how much the earth on the West Mesa has been moved by construction crews."

and:

"Police said they will be on the mesa for weeks, if not months, before they know if they have found all the human remains."

 

[shadowraiths]

Looks like Reynolds had a web site:

Alleged pimp's death brings clues
Updated: Monday, 12 Jan 2009, 2:01 PM EST
Published : Monday, 12 Jan 2009, 2:01 PM EST
* Reporter: Michael Paluska
* Web Producer: Devon Armijo

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - The death of a suspected pimp has led Albuquerque Police Officers to what they're hoping is a big clue.

For years, APD detectives have been investigating the disappearances of a number of prostitutes in the metropolitan area. Now, detectives could be a step closer to learning where those missing women may be.

Fred Reynolds, 60, was named a person of interest in the disappearances of several missing prostitutes.

When he died suddenly on Jan. 2, police found pictures of three known prostitutes in his home. The word 'missing' was written underneath one of the pictures.

[...]

Detectives used Reynolds' website to identify some of his escorts.

Over the last year, the vice unit has arrested several of the women seen on the website.

[...]

Police said that Reynolds may be connected to the disappearances, but they will continue the investigation even if clues lead them in a different direction.

In 2002, Reynolds was charged with promoting prostitution, a fourth degree felony. The case was dismissed.

Police believe he died of natural causes.

Full article: click here

 

[SuziQ]

SuziQ I read the articles again, I was under the impression that this assault victim S. Hill was strangled to death in his trailer. When he was taking her out to put her in a neighbors vehicle he was (He=L. Montoya) was seen by her BF and her BF then shot and killed L. Montoya. Did I miss a victim? TIA

Here is the info on the one who got away.

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache...d/+"Lorenzo+Montoya"&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=8&gl=us

(snip)
That was in 1999. According to a criminal complaint, Montoya picked up the woman near Sun Port Boulevard.
She later told police that he forced her to perform oral sex, then slammed her against a seat and began choking her. A police car pulled up alongside, and the officer found Montoya wearing a condom and trying to pull off the woman's underwear, the complaint states.
No money changed hands, and Montoya's wallet was found to contain only $2. He was charged with criminal sexual penetration, attempted criminal sexual penetration and kidnapping, but later that year, the charges were dropped.

 

[Kat]

Ty Suzi! :blowkiss: This character had quite a criminal history to say the least.

 

[shadowraiths]

http://kob.com/article/stories/s789715.shtml?cat=516

snipped from article:

"Police said the bones Saturday were found nine feet below the surface--a sign they say of how much the earth on the West Mesa has been moved by construction crews."

and:

"Police said they will be on the mesa for weeks, if not months, before they know if they have found all the human remains."

Thanks for catching this crucial piece of info, Kat. The way the other article characterized the depth, it certainly appeared that some of the victims were buried 9 feet deep. In fact a local UNM associate professor referred to that bit of apparently erroneous info to support his contention that the killer's behavior deviated from your run of the mill serial killer.

 

[SuziQ]

While its really too early to know for certain, the fact that there are so many bodies in such a concentrated area, I'm not the least bit surprised they believe this is the work of one individual. Otoh, if they think these murders are related to the sex trade industry, it is possible there are multiple killers and the area is simply being used as a "body dump." Whatever the case may be, the burial, as described in this article, is certainly interesting.


That sort of depth would take some serious digging. Esp on the mesa. That is, unless they had a back hoe. You know, what construction workers use when, oh idunno, clearing off an area for a new development, perhaps?

(respectfully snipped)
Very interesting thoughts. From various articles, the number of women missing that could be related has varied. One article stated 24. So it appears from the two years LE is working with, that could be a body a month. Commiting the act of murder, digging a grave once a month for two years seems very extreme even for a serial killer.

Your idea of an underground space certainly is interesting. Because while there haven't always been homes in the area, it appears to be a place you could see from quite a distance...for a mile even. You'd think someone would have noticed a backhoe or merely someone hanging out there that often. If he was doing this at night, wouldn't he need light?

 

[Kat]

The first victim was reported to have been buried in a very shallow grave. I think I posted it back on page one or two. Back when we were discussing if it was possible for it to have been a singular event.

The discovery of the second body and it's identification gave us enough information to know that the two women went missing in different years. I'm wondering about the other bodies discovered and the varying depths of their burial sites.

Hopefully, LE will keep giving us information.

 

[shadowraiths]

While I could be completely wrong, I am somewhat skeptical that Montoya was the killer. From the articles posted, it appears that he lived in the NE heights and only lived on the mesa from January of 2005, at the earliest, until his death in December 2006. His 2005 NE heights residence places him just a bit east of the red light district (which, iirc, is the east central area between Louisana and Wyoming Blvds). The alleged pimp otoh, specifically his website, is interesting. Esp considering that, the missing, possibly deceased, may have met their killer online. Am trying to track that bit down right now.

 

[shadowraiths]

(respectfully snipped)
Very interesting thoughts. From various articles, the number of women missing that could be related has varied. One article stated 24. So it appears from the two years LE is working with, that could be a body a month. Commiting the act of murder, digging a grave once a month for two years seems very extreme even for a serial killer.

Your idea of an underground space certainly is interesting. Because while there haven't always been homes in the area, it appears to be a place you could see from quite a distance...for a mile even. You'd think someone would have noticed a backhoe or merely someone hanging out there that often. If he was doing this at night, wouldn't he need light?

Don't think they would necessarily need a light, dep upon the time of month. The mesa can be pretty well lit up by moonlight alone. And that area would be arguably far enough away from residents during that period.

Aside, the article posted today about the site is rather interesting...

The president of the neighborhood association closest to the site there the bodies of 13 people, including a fetus, have been recovered says he’s not surprised to hear the victims may have been prostitutes.

“We’ve actually caught grown ups out here trying to have sex with women that look like prostitutes,” said Salih Rahman, president of the Sierra ranch Neighborhood Association.

“So [when] they talk about some of these women were prostitutes, it kind of rang familiar to me because we’ve seen it,” he added.

Full article: click here

And of course, the ole antenna goes up when someone oopses upon a bone that may be human, across from the dig site.

Across the street from the West Mesa dig site where 13 bodies have already been discovered another bone was discovered Sunday.

Albuquerque police are now trying to figure out if it is linked to their massive investigation.

Officers said a man walking along the sidewalk near Dennis Chavez and 118th Street noticed something white underneath some bushes and alerted police.

Full article: click here

Esp considering that area is not where people would generally take a Sunday afternoon stroll. Then again, he may have been a lookie-loo.