Carmen Deann Kester was 45 and described by family as a light to many. A resident of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, she was a wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed decorating for every occasion and supporting her children at sporting events, choir concerts, and cheerleading activities. She is survived by her husband, five children, five grandchildren, her mother, and numerous siblings.

On the morning of March 8, 2022, first responders found Kester inside her home in the 1200 block of Mirador Loop NE; she had died of multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators identified her 15-year-old nephew, Brayden Baldree, as a person of interest. Police allege Baldree fled in his aunt’s red SUV, attempted to hide her body, and led officers on a citywide chase; a helicopter and multiple agencies assisted and several Rio Rancho schools briefly went into precautionary lockout before Baldree was taken into custody near Sundt Road and Pearl Drive.

Baldree was charged with murder, tampering with evidence, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, and reckless driving. He was booked into the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center, and prosecutors said they would seek adult sanctions. The court process has included delays and a competency review; the criminal case remains active. If anyone knew Carmen or has information about the shooting, please come forward.