A Legacy of Remembrance: City Council President Klarissa Peña Remembers Victims on the 17th Anniversary of West Mesa Discovery
Councilor Peña calls for the Albuquerque community to pause, remember the lost lives, and renew pursuit of justice for the victims
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Today marks 17 years since the discovery of the first of 11 women and an unborn child whose remains were found on Albuquerque’s West Mesa. In observance of this somber anniversary, City Council President Klarissa J. Peña, District 3, is calling on the community to pause, remember the lives lost, and renew the collective pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
Between February and May 2009, forensic investigators identified the victims as:
Monica Candelaria
Victoria Chavez
Virginia Cloven
Syllannia Edwards
Cinnamon Elks
Doreen Marquez
Julie Nieto
Veronica Romero
Evelyn Salazar
Michelle Valdez (and her unborn child)
Jamie Barelas (15 years old)
A Renewed Plea for Justice
Despite the passage of nearly two decades, these murders remain unsolved. The Albuquerque Police Department continues to seek information that could lead to the identification and prosecution of those responsible.
"Seventeen years is an agonizingly long time for families to wait for answers," said Council President Peña. "We must never let the names of these women fade into history without justice. I urge anyone with information—no matter how small or insignificant it may seem—to come forward. For the sake of the survivors and the memory of these daughters, mothers, and sisters, we must remain vigilant in our search for the truth."
The Women’s Memorial Park: A Sacred Space
In 2020, the City of Albuquerque dedicated the Women’s Memorial Park, located at 10780 Pipestone Road SW. Situated on the very site where the remains were discovered, the park stands as a permanent, sacred tribute to the victims and a beacon of hope for all women who have been impacted by violence.
The park serves as a reminder that these individuals were more than just names in a case file—they were cherished members of our community. It remains open to the public as a place for reflection, healing, and a unified stand against violence.
How to Help:
Anyone with information regarding the West Mesa homicides is encouraged to contact the Albuquerque Police Department or provide an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP.