Murder suspect arrested and charged for May homicide

July 5, 2022

ALBUQUERQUE – An 18-year-old wanted for a recent homicide in Southeast Albuquerque was arrested today by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force.

Adrian Paul Sanchez, 18, was charged last week for murder of Jesus T. Lopez. He admitted to his role in the shooting during an interview with detectives this evening.

Sanchez is accused of shooting Lopez, 29, multiple times inside Sanchez’s car on the night of May 5, 2022. Sanchez allegedly pulled Lopez out of the car and fled from the area of 202 Garcia St., N.E.

Homicide detectives learned from a detective with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, who was conducting an unrelated investigation, that Sanchez communicated with a friend on the night of the murder. Sanchez detailed the shooting through Instagram messages and videos of his car, gun and Air Jordan shoes covered in blood.

APD detectives also learned through investigation that Sanchez placed his Texas-issued license plate on a different vehicle, a silver Lexus Sedan. Homicide detectives secured an arrest warrant for Sanchez on June 30 with the new vehicle information, and BCSO deputies arrested him today on the warrant.

The public can help law enforcement stop crime and solve open cases in our community. If you have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP (7867), or call APD’s non-emergency number at 505-242-COPS (2677).

APD has advocates for victims of violent crimes, including domestic violence and sex crimes. Victims, including family of homicide victims, can call 505-924-6028 to reach one of the advocates. Victim advocates can also be reached by email: [email protected].

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