John Herbert Tre Gabaldon III, 24, was found dead on Pajarito Mesa southwest of Albuquerque on November 16, 2023. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office investigators say he had been kidnapped days earlier from a northwest Albuquerque gas station. Surveillance from that station showed two vehicles—a newer van, possibly a Toyota, and a silver Volkswagen sedan—circling the parking lot. Witnesses reported a man being forced into a van around that time.

Detectives believe Gabaldon was specifically targeted, likely over drug-related issues; his phone and social media activity stopped abruptly, and investigators say call and location data indicate the phone was taken and turned off during the abduction. He is survived by his parents, John Herbert Gabaldon Jr. and Brittni Montano, his daughter Rose Marie Gabaldon, and several siblings and extended family. A visitation and prayer service took place December 5, 2023, at Gabaldon Mortuary, with interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Anyone who saw the van or silver Volkswagen at the gas station or who has information about the abduction is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the lead detective.