On March 1, 2018, 25-year-old Larry DeSantiago was fatally shot at Tower Park in Albuquerque. Witnesses reported an altercation involving DeSantiago and two 15-year-olds, Santiago Armijo and Jeremiah De La Pena. During the confrontation, Armijo allegedly shot DeSantiago in the chest; DeSantiago was taken to a hospital and later died of his wounds.

Both teenagers were arrested and charged with murder. Armijo later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, unlawful possession of a handgun, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. In December 2019, Judge Christina Jaramillo sentenced Armijo, then 17, to 30 days in juvenile detention followed by supervised probation until he turned 21, and ordered him to speak at high schools about the consequences of his actions. The sentence drew sharp criticism from DeSantiago’s family and members of the community who felt it was too lenient.

If anyone knew Larry, was at Tower Park that day, or has information about the case, please share what can help clarify what happened.