Nicolas Candelaria

Nicolas Candelaria was remembered by those who knew him as a caring, humble, and funny person who loved his family dearly. The 23-year-old Hispanic man was a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was known for always being happy and willing to help others.

In the early morning hours of November 1, 2023, Albuquerque police officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 500 block of Atlantic Avenue SW in the Barelas neighborhood. A second call came from Candelaria’s roommate. When officers arrived at the residence, they found Nicolas Candelaria deceased from gunshot wounds just inside the front door.

The investigation soon revealed that the shooting was the result of a planned robbery. Detectives determined that two individuals, 23-year-old Lanise Padilla and 24-year-old Richard Anderson, had arranged to go to Candelaria’s home under the pretense of buying one gram of cocaine. Their actual plan was to rob him of the drugs. The situation turned violent when Anderson shot Candelaria three times. After the shooting, Anderson took the drugs and fled the scene.

On November 25, 2023, police apprehended both suspects. Padilla was arrested during a traffic stop when an officer noticed she was driving a car without a license plate; the vehicle was believed to be connected to the homicide and was impounded. Later that same day, detectives located and arrested Anderson at a residence on Marapi Street NW. Both were charged in connection with the robbery and murder.

The case concluded in 2024. Lanise Padilla pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and conspiracy. Richard Anderson pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. As part of his plea agreement, Anderson was sentenced to 15 years in prison. With the convictions and sentencing, the Albuquerque Police Department considers the case closed.