Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — APD Homicide detectives charged Alexander Ortiz with the Jan. 17, 2024, shooting death of Nicole Maldonado outside of the Adam Market on east Central Ave. The homicide occurred six days after Ortiz, 20, allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend, Alianna Farfan, at her Northeast Heights apartment.
Detectives investigating the murder of Farfan gathered enough evidence to charge Ortiz for her death on Jan. 27, 2024. Detectives learned from friends and family that Farfan and Ortiz had an abusive relationship and Ortiz was upset with Farfan the day of the shooting.
Detectives with APD’s Investigative Support Unit started searching for Ortiz.
While police searched for Ortiz, detectives investigating the murder of Maldonado at the Adam Food Market identified Ortiz as a suspect in her murder on Jan. 17.
Detectives tracked Ortiz on Feb. 21 at a residence located at 345 Pennsylvania St., S.E., which is near the Adam Food Market and the same location he is believed to have fled after the shooting at the market. Detectives barricaded Ortiz inside the residence, and SWAT officers with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody.
Following his arrest for the murder of Farfan, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence and located multiple parts of a .40 caliber handgun, including an extended magazine, 50-round drum magazine, Glock 22 .40cal slide, .40cal ammunition and a mobile phone. Detectives determined several of the firearm parts were similar to those used in the homicide at the Adam Food Market.
In addition to the murder charges for the shooting death of Farfan, Ortiz is now charged with the following crimes related to the shooting death of Maldonado: Murder (Open Count of Murder; Murder Deprived Mind; Felony Murder & firearm enhancement), Attempted Murder, Conspiracy to commit murder resulting in death, Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon (firearms enhancement, x3), and Tampering with evidence x3.
