Albuquerque Fire Rescue terminates two firefighters accused of rape. A third firefighter, charged in the case, chose to retire. In a statement, AFR Chief Emily Jaramillo emphasized a ‘zero tolerance for unethical behavior.’ Despite their release, an attorney for one maintains innocence, expressing disappointment in AFR’s decision. The rape incident was reported at The Villas apartment complex in July. The survivor, related to an AFR lieutenant, alleged gang rape after a golf tournament with the accused. Police say she blacked out and woke to the assault. Read the full article for additional details.
Author: For Neighborhood Journal
In a follow-up from a previous article, Davona Chavez is in custody after shooting her boyfriend and critically wounding her 7-year-old son during a domestic dispute. Responding to a 911 call at their residence, police found Chavez’s boyfriend shot in the knee outside, while Chavez was attempting to help her son, who had been struck in the head by the same bullet. A search of their home uncovered fentanyl pills, cash, and firearms. Chavez faces charges of child abuse and drug trafficking. The 7-year-old’s survival is uncertain. For additional information see more detailed coverage from the Albuquerque Journal.
invite sunshine into your home We embrace our indoor-outdoor living to its fullest extent in New Mexico, and now you can bring a little of the outdoors in with these beautiful products in an array of sunny hues. Vista II Lemon Outdoor Adirondack Chair by POLYWOOD, $499, crateandbarrel.com 1. Sitting Pretty Dress up your yard with this classic Adirondack chair that is synonymous with summer. Ditch wooden design for this maintenance-free version made of recycled plastic bottles. Slatted and sloped, this chair (and the matching ottoman) provide the ultimate outdoor lounging experience. The weather-resistant, high-density polyethylene with stainless steel hardware…
In a tragic incident in Southwest Albuquerque, a child is in critical condition, reportedly shot during a domestic dispute, possibly by his own mother. Albuquerque police responded to the scene after a 911 call reporting the shooting at around 3 a.m. The young boy was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, while the Crimes Against Children Unit commenced an investigation. Further details, including any other injuries or potential suspects, remain undisclosed at this time. This incident follows recent concerns about gun violence in the area. For more details read the full article.
Kohl’s abruptly closes its Coronado Center location in Albuquerque. While crime concerns, including shoplifting, were noted, some speculate workforce shortages may have also played a role. Kohl’s plans to offer affected employees positions at nearby stores but has not disclosed details about the closure’s planning or future Albuquerque openings. For more information read the full article.
EVERY FLOWER INSPIRES an emotion. Roses evoke romance, spring daffodils feel like a new beginning, end-of-summer chrysanthemums might trigger a touch of melancholy. And zinnias? Well, zinnias just make us happy, bobbing their brightly colored heads on the breeze from early summer to mid-autumn. Growing in masses on their own or popping up among the perennials, zinnias sound a cheerful note anywhere they’re planted. “Their blooms are amazing,” says Jesse Darling, general manager of Jericho Nurseries in Albuquerque. “On top of that, they handle the sun in the southwest pretty well.” While perennials bloom year after year, some only for…
Timothy Chavez, now 21, receives a 13-year prison sentence for his role in the 2018 killing of Ronnie Ross, a homeless man in Albuquerque. Chavez pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced by Judge Courtney Weaks. His co-defendant, Anthony Gallegos, faces up to 20 years in prison and will be sentenced later. The Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission calls Ross’s death “horrendous and despicable. For more on this story read the full article.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers in Albuquerque work on unique insulated concrete homes in the Barelas neighborhood. First Financial Credit Union employees join the effort, emphasizing community involvement and giving back. Families selected for these homes participate in the construction process and commit to a 0% interest mortgage plan, promoting affordable homeownership. Stay tuned for updates on when the first family will move in, and see how volunteers like Stormy Johnson hope to inspire others to join this meaningful cause. Read the full article for more details.
Monte Vista Elementary School in Albuquerque has been honored by the U.S. Department of Education with the prestigious Blue Ribbon School designation, recognizing its outstanding academic performance. This award places Monte Vista among only three schools in New Mexico and 353 nationwide to receive this distinction in 2023. Find out more at the APS website.
Authorities are investigating the deaths of Javier Almanza, 27, and Hannah Slaven, 21, who were found deceased in a home on Bridge Boulevard SW. The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check call, and the incident is being probed as a possible murder-suicide.