On November 19, 2020, 36-year-old Elizabeth Martinez was found dead inside her home on Franciscan Street in northeast Albuquerque after a 911 call reporting a shooting. Deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office observed multiple bullet holes in the exterior of the residence and determined Martinez had died of an apparent gunshot wound.

BCSO Homicide Detectives named 26-year-old Christopher Montoya as the primary suspect and charged him with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. Montoya’s criminal history cited in connection with the case includes aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, receiving a stolen firearm, aggravated DWI, multiple domestic violence incidents, various drug-related offenses, and numerous probation violations. Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III offered condolences to Martinez’s family and noted concern about repeated releases of a person with that record.

The community has mourned Martinez by lighting candles and sharing memories in her honor. Does anyone with information about Martinez, the residence on Franciscan Street, or the events of November 19, 2020, have details to share with investigators?