Freddie Jefferson Allen, 53, of Roswell, New Mexico, was killed in a drive-by shooting on March 24, 2024. Officers responding to multiple calls about gunfire found Allen’s body inside his vehicle; investigators say the driver’s side door was struck by about 16 bullets.

Witnesses reported a red pickup truck involved in the shooting. A few hours later a police sergeant located that truck elsewhere in town and conducted a traffic stop. Police arrested 20-year-old Martin Soltero III; he was carrying a rifle and a loaded handgun despite a prior felony conviction that prohibits firearm possession. Soltero was charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm and is being held at the Chaves County Jail pending a custody hearing. He told officers the truck belonged to his deceased brother and denied knowing the victim, though investigators say the two were at least somewhat acquainted.

The motive remains unclear and the Roswell Police Department continues to investigate. If anyone knew Freddie Allen or has information about the red pickup truck or the shooting, please share what you know.