Bernalillo County, NM (KKOB) — The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office wishes to provide information regarding an ongoing investigation following the discovery of a body in Pajarito Mesa on May 19, 2024, at approximately 4:00 PM.
Upon discovery, the body was identified as a teenage male with signs of at least one gunshot wound. Our detectives faced significant challenges in identifying the decedent until a breakthrough came when his family reported him missing. This report was crucial as it provided the necessary information to confirm the identity of the victim as 16-year-old Jesus Quintana Cota.
Identifying Jesus and notifying his family involved a thorough process, driven by our commitment to accuracy and the utmost sensitivity given the age of the victim. This case is currently under investigation as a homicide, and we are seeking the public’s assistance to help piece together the circumstances surrounding Jesus’s death. Anyone with information that could aid this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Carroll at (505) 263-5167 or via email at [email protected].
We understand the concerns regarding the timing of this announcement. Our primary goal has always been to maintain the integrity of the investigation and respect for the victim’s family during this difficult time. Our detectives are committed to thorough and careful investigations, and sometimes these efforts require more time to ensure that every fact is verified, and every lead is followed.
