ABQ's Child Killers; DA Says 12 Juveniles Charged In Homicide Cases In Just Eight Months; Murder of Five Year Old Again Sets off Gun Debate, Plus: City Council Candiate Naranjo Lopez Responds To Critic

Galilea Samaniego

We've all seen the news of the latest shocking murder in ABQ. A five year old asleep on the floor of her trailer is murdered by gunfire from a group of teens targeting another teen. That came on the heels of another shocker--a 13 year old murdering a woman who was seeking the return of her stolen car. 

If such events were only rare. But now they are not. Bernallio County District Attorney Sam Bregman dropped this mini-bombshell in an interview this week:

Since the first of the year--only eight months--we have twelve juveniles (in Bernalillo County) charged as adults in homicide cases--twelve. It's unacceptable. 

Of course it is unacceptable but what to do?  The explosion of guns in the hands of teens is the obvious issue. Bregman:

When the criminal code was put into place for juveniles back in the 70's it wasn't contemplated that juveniles would be walking around or in a car shooting out windows, shooting 25 times at a trailer where a five year old is sleeping. . . We need to hold everyone accountable. We're going to charge them with adult crimes when we can but we need to spend more resources (on) children.

Bregman said a comprehensive public education program to warn teens of the consequences of guns and crime is needed but that ignores the elephant in the room--unfettered access to guns. 

And for the DA seeking election next year that would mean talking about curbs on guns, a hot button issue that despite wave after wave of violence here and elsewhere goes nowhere in our gridlocked political system.

MLG'S TAKE

MLG (Source NM)

On the other hand, Gov. Lujan Grisham has put her cards on the table--time and again--calling for pragmatic gun control measures. In memory of five year old Galilea Samaniego we run this from her State of the State speech this year:

Lujan Grisham condemned what she called "despicable acts of political violence" and a "sickening scourge of gun violence that has infected our nation." She announced proposals to ban assault-style weapons, allow victims of gun violence to bring civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers, and crack down on black-market sales that funnel guns to ineligible buyers. We all know that we cannot keep our people safe, we cannot keep our police officers and their families safe, if weapons of war continue to flood our neighborhoods.

That fell on deaf ears at the Roundhouse. But Give the executive credit. She has been true blue on guns since her years as a congresswoman. One of these years she may hit pay dirt. 

Meanwhile, DA Bregman can and will charge the juvenile killers as adults so they are not released when they are 21. The the option of a lengthy prison sentence or life imprisonment became easier to impose by a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling.

But it's also prevention not only punishment that the city cries out for as its youth increasingly engage in self-destructive behavior. Tell us if we're missing something. If we reduce the presence of guns in their lives, we reduce the horrific murders. Or are we missing something?

NARANJO LOPEZ PUSHBACK

Naranjo Lopez

Reader Carrie Garcia unloaded on BQ City Council District 2 candidate Loretta Naranjo Lopez on the Monday blog. We offer her equal time and she came with this: 

I recently came across your blog post regarding the Public Employees Retirement Board (PERA) and wanted to take a moment to address the allegations made against me. 

 First and foremost, I would like to emphasize that the accusations of abusing my power within the PERA board are completely baseless. Throughout my tenure since 2005, my primary focus has always been to serve the best interests of the public employees and retirees. I have consistently made decisions in a transparent and ethical manner, guided by the principles of fairness and accountability.

I understand that it is essential to address any concerns regarding my conduct, as it directly affects my candidacy for City Council. I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, both in my previous role on the PERA board and as a candidate. 

Furthermore, I would like to address the claim made by one of the viewers that my opponent is a front runner despite lacking experience in government or other organizations. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is crucial to consider the qualifications and capabilities required for effective governance. Experience in government and related organizations plays a vital role in understanding the intricacies of public service, policy-making, and the needs of our community. 

As a candidate with a proven track record in public service and extensive experience on the PERA board, I firmly believe that my background uniquely positions me to address the challenges our city faces effectively. I am committed to bringing my expertise, dedication, and fresh ideas to the City Council, ensuring the best outcomes for our community. 

I remain open to any further discussions or inquiries that may arise. 

Naranjo Lopez is running against fellow Dem Joaquin Baca, a member of the Rio Grande Conservancy district, for the seat being vacated by Councilor Ike Benton. Independent Moises Gonzalez is also on the ballot. The election is November 7.  

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