West Mesa Victims
(pdf)
For Immediate Release
Contact: Arnold Vigil
(505) 986-4882; arnold.vigil@nmlegis.gov
SENATE RECOGNIZES WEST MESA MURDER VICTIMS IN MEMORIAL
Today, the New Mexico State Senate passed a memorial that pays respect to numerous Albuquerque women whose buried remains were found a decade ago on the city’s West Mesa.
“We need to remember that these 13 victims died tragic deaths that impacted not only their families, who are still suffering every single day by these senseless killings, but also the city of Albuquerque and communities across New Mexico who also have had women die needlessly under mysterious circumstances,” said Senator Linda M. Lopez (D-11, Bernalillo), who co-sponsored the memorial. “These women were loved by their families and came from situations that did not deserve such horrific deaths. This is a reminder to all of us, that people from all walks of life should be respected in life and deserve to die in dignity, something that was not afforded to these young women.”
Senate Memorial 53, “West Mesa Victims, In Honor,” passed the Senate 43-0 and is also co-sponsored by Senator Michael Padilla, (D-14, Bernalillo) who also represents the southwest area where the bodies were found 10 years ago by a woman walking a dog. Further investigations by police discovered one buried body after another, some victims being reported missing as early as 2002. There have been no arrests in the case.
“I hope through this memorial that people look beyond media coverage focusing on the victims’ characters and lifestyles to the fact that they were mothers, and sisters and daughters to others who still suffer from their losses and have not been able to find closure,” Senator Lopez added. “We have dedicated Capital Outlay money this year to the City of Albuquerque to construct a memorial park at the site of these burials so that we never forget the tragedy and take cautious steps to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”
Senator Lopez is also signing on to Senate Memorial 38, Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, sponsored by Senators John Pinto and Benny Shendo, which shines light on the mysteries of the many indigenous women who have suffered similar fates as the West Mesa victims. Both senators have also signed onto Senator Lopez’s Senate Bill 453, Missing & Murdered Native American Data, that will require the Department of Public Safety to collect data specifically on missing and murdered Native Americans.
On Friday, March 1, 2019, the Legislature is celebrating Indigenous Women Day that will also bring awareness to these senseless losses.
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