West Mesa Murders
Serial Killer Investigation
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Albuquerque, New Mexico
TIME PERIOD
2001-2005
VICTIMS
11 confirmed
Between 2001 and 2005, the remains of eleven women, believed to be sex workers, were discovered buried in an undeveloped area of the West Mesa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2009. The case remains unsolved, with various suspects identified but no arrests made, and the possibility of a connection to a larger sex trafficking ring has been suggested. Investigations continue as authorities seek to uncover more information regarding the perpetrator(s) behind these murders.
Theories surrounding the West Mesa murders suggest that the killings may be linked not only to a serial killer but also to a possible sex trafficking ring operating across several states, targeting vulnerable women, particularly sex workers. An anonymous tip has connected the case to a suspect from El Salvador, further complicating the investigation. Additionally, the timing of the murders coincides with events that draw larger crowds, raising speculation about the perpetrators' methods of operation.
West Mesa Murders
The West Mesa Murders are a chilling chapter in true crime that encompasses the deaths of eleven women whose remains were unearthed in 2009 on the arid expanses of the West Mesa in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This case is steeped in mystery, with several suspects emerging over the years, yet none have been formally arrested or charged. Initially thought to be the gruesome handiwork of a serial killer, there’s a sinister undercurrent suggesting the involvement of a sex trafficking ring.
Quick Facts
- Location: Albuquerque to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, U.S.
- Date: 2001–2005
- Target: Sex workers
- Attack Type: Serial killing
- Deaths: 11+
An anonymous tip sent to both the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and the FBI pointed authorities toward a suspect with ties to El Salvador. Investigators have also speculated that a sex trafficking ring, which stretches across neighboring Texas and targets vulnerable sex workers during high-traffic events—like the New Mexico State Fair—could be involved. This underscores a disturbing pattern, suggesting that the crimes may have links to broader criminal networks stretching through cities such as Las Vegas, El Paso, Killeen, and Denver.
Background and Discovery
Between 2001 and 2005, an unidentified assailant, hauntingly referred to as the "Bone Collector," buried eleven women in an arroyo bank on Albuquerque's West Mesa, a desolate, undeveloped area within city limits. Satellite imagery captured between 2003 and 2005 revealed eerie tire tracks and patches of disturbed soil in the vicinity of the eventual grave site. These images indicated that the last victim was laid to rest in 2005. By 2006, development plans encroached upon the area, but the housing market collapse in 2008 put a halt to construction before any homes could be built at the burial location.
The situation took a macabre turn when neighbors reported flooding issues at the site due to the unnatural burial of the arroyo. To alleviate the issue, a retaining wall was constructed, inadvertently exposing human bones to the surface.
On February 2, 2009, a woman walking her dog stumbled upon a human bone and reported her find to the police. What followed was a grim investigation that led authorities to uncover the remains of eleven women and girls, one of whom was pregnant. The victims ranged from ages 15 to 32, predominantly of Hispanic descent, many of whom had connections to drugs and sex work. Notably, Syllania Edwards, a 15-year-old runaway from Lawton, Oklahoma, was the only African American victim and the sole out-of-state resident. Tragically, Michelle Valdez was four months pregnant at the time of her death.
Confirmed Victims
The remains unearthed in 2009 were identified as belonging to the following women and girls, all of whom vanished between May 2003 and September 2004:
- Monica Diana Candelaria, 22, disappeared on May 15, 2003.
- Victoria Ann Chavez, 26, disappeared on June 5, 2003.
- Syllannia Terene Edwards, 15, disappeared on August 17, 2003.
- Doreen Marquez, 24, disappeared on October 10, 2003.
- Veronica Romero, 28, disappeared on February 14, 2004.
- Cousins Jamie Caterina Barela, 15, and Evelyn Jesus Maria Salazar, 27, both disappeared on March 26, 2004.
- Virginia Cloven, 24, disappeared on April 13, 2004.
- Julie Cyndie Nieto, 24, disappeared on July 15, 2004.
- Cinnamon Elks, 32, disappeared on August 20, 2004.
- Michelle Gina Valdez, 22, disappeared on September 22, 2004.
Possible Victims
Before the discoveries in 2009, Detective Ida Lopez had compiled a list of missing Albuquerque women known to have ties to prostitution and drug addiction, which included several who vanished between 2001 and 2006. While ten of these women were later found buried at West Mesa, a disturbing nine others remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could be even higher:
- Darlene Marie Trujillo, 20, last seen on July 4, 2001.
- Martha Jo Lucher, 32, last seen on September 3, 2003.
- Anna Love Vigil, 20, last seen on January 21, 2005.
- Felipa Victoria Gonzales, 22, last seen on April 27, 2005.
- Nina Brenda Herron, 21, last seen on May 14, 2005.
- Jillian Elizabeth Henderson-Ortiz, 19, last seen on January 16, 2006.
- Shawntell Monique Waites, 29, last seen on March 15, 2006.
- Leah Rachelle Peebles, 23, last seen on May 5, 2006.
- Vanessa Reed, 24, last seen on June 13, 2006.
Investigation
The investigation has been extensive and riddled with twists and turns. On December 9, 2010, Albuquerque police released six photos of seven unidentified women who might be linked to the West Mesa case. These images stirred public interest, as some of the women appeared unconscious and bore physical similarities to the confirmed victims. The following day, an additional photograph was released, leading to identification by family members who reported the woman had died of natural causes years prior. By December 13, two of the women in the photos were identified as alive and might hold critical information.
In June 2018, the case took another strange turn when additional bones were discovered near the burial site. However, forensic analysis revealed these bones were ancient and not connected to the West Mesa murders.
Suspects
The identity of the perpetrator—or perpetrators—remains a haunting mystery. Police suspect that all the bodies may have been buried by the same individual or group, leading to the moniker "West Mesa Bone Collector." Despite numerous investigations, no official suspects have emerged. In 2010, the Albuquerque PD even offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Several individuals have come under scrutiny over the years, though they have not been named as formal suspects. One of the more notorious figures was Fred Reynolds, a pimp who had connections to one of the missing women and reportedly possessed photographs of missing sex workers before he died of natural causes in January 2009.
Another name that surfaced was Lorenzo Montoya, a pressman living less than three miles from the burial site. Montoya had a history of violent encounters with sex workers and had made disturbing threats, including intentions to kill his girlfriend and bury her. In December 2006, Montoya strangled a 19-year-old sex worker, Shericka Hill, at his trailer, only to be shot dead by Hill's boyfriend while trying to load her body into his car. Investigators expressed skepticism that this was Montoya's first murder, given the brutality of the crime. Strikingly, it seemed the West Mesa killings ceased following his death.
Detectives uncovered a disturbing home video recorded by Montoya, which included footage of what appeared to be a sexual encounter with an unidentified woman, who may have been deceased. The tape included sounds resembling duct tape being torn and a garbage bag being opened, leading to chilling theories about body disposal.
In August 2010, police investigated properties in Joplin, Missouri, linked to Ron Erwin, a local photographer and businessman. They seized thousands of photographs, as he was known to frequent events in Albuquerque, including the state fair. However, Erwin was later cleared as a suspect.
In December 2010, Scott Lee Kimball, a convicted serial killer, claimed he was being investigated for the West Mesa murders but denied any involvement.
A more recent name to emerge is Joseph Blea, known as the "Mid-School Rapist" for crimes committed in the 1980s. His DNA was linked to the rape of a sex worker, and he had previously confessed to hiring women he described as "trashy." Evidence such as women's underwear and jewelry found in his home, alongside a nursery tree tag connected to the burial site, raised suspicions against him. In June 2015, he was sentenced to 36 years for his earlier crimes.
Conclusion
The West Mesa murders remain a haunting enigma, with lingering questions about the victims and the identity of the killer. This case not only reflects the tragedies faced by vulnerable women but also highlights the systemic issues of violence against marginalized communities. The search for justice continues, with the families of the victims clinging to hope that one day, the truth will emerge.
Sources
- Wikipedia contributors. (2023). West Mesa murders. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from Wikipedia
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Murders Begin
The killings of women, later known as the West Mesa murders, begin.
Last Victim Buried
The last of the eleven women is believed to be buried in the West Mesa area.
Remains Discovered
A woman walking a dog finds a human bone, leading to the discovery of eleven bodies.
Photos Released
Albuquerque police release photos of unidentified women possibly linked to the murders.
Identifications Made
Two women in the released photos are identified as alive and may have valuable information.
New Suspect Emerges
Joseph Blea, linked to past crimes, becomes a suspect in the West Mesa murders.
Blea Sentenced
Joseph Blea is sentenced to 36 years for unrelated crimes, while still being investigated for the murders.
More Bones Found
Additional bones are discovered near the burial site but are determined to be ancient.
Reward Offered
Authorities offer a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
Between 2001 and 2005, the remains of eleven women, believed to be sex workers, were discovered buried in an undeveloped area of the West Mesa in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2009. The case remains unsolved, with various suspects identified but no arrests made, and the possibility of a connection to a larger sex trafficking ring has been suggested. Investigations continue as authorities seek to uncover more information regarding the perpetrator(s) behind these murders.
Theories surrounding the West Mesa murders suggest that the killings may be linked not only to a serial killer but also to a possible sex trafficking ring operating across several states, targeting vulnerable women, particularly sex workers. An anonymous tip has connected the case to a suspect from El Salvador, further complicating the investigation. Additionally, the timing of the murders coincides with events that draw larger crowds, raising speculation about the perpetrators' methods of operation.
West Mesa Murders
The West Mesa Murders are a chilling chapter in true crime that encompasses the deaths of eleven women whose remains were unearthed in 2009 on the arid expanses of the West Mesa in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This case is steeped in mystery, with several suspects emerging over the years, yet none have been formally arrested or charged. Initially thought to be the gruesome handiwork of a serial killer, there’s a sinister undercurrent suggesting the involvement of a sex trafficking ring.
Quick Facts
- Location: Albuquerque to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, U.S.
- Date: 2001–2005
- Target: Sex workers
- Attack Type: Serial killing
- Deaths: 11+
An anonymous tip sent to both the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) and the FBI pointed authorities toward a suspect with ties to El Salvador. Investigators have also speculated that a sex trafficking ring, which stretches across neighboring Texas and targets vulnerable sex workers during high-traffic events—like the New Mexico State Fair—could be involved. This underscores a disturbing pattern, suggesting that the crimes may have links to broader criminal networks stretching through cities such as Las Vegas, El Paso, Killeen, and Denver.
Background and Discovery
Between 2001 and 2005, an unidentified assailant, hauntingly referred to as the "Bone Collector," buried eleven women in an arroyo bank on Albuquerque's West Mesa, a desolate, undeveloped area within city limits. Satellite imagery captured between 2003 and 2005 revealed eerie tire tracks and patches of disturbed soil in the vicinity of the eventual grave site. These images indicated that the last victim was laid to rest in 2005. By 2006, development plans encroached upon the area, but the housing market collapse in 2008 put a halt to construction before any homes could be built at the burial location.
The situation took a macabre turn when neighbors reported flooding issues at the site due to the unnatural burial of the arroyo. To alleviate the issue, a retaining wall was constructed, inadvertently exposing human bones to the surface.
On February 2, 2009, a woman walking her dog stumbled upon a human bone and reported her find to the police. What followed was a grim investigation that led authorities to uncover the remains of eleven women and girls, one of whom was pregnant. The victims ranged from ages 15 to 32, predominantly of Hispanic descent, many of whom had connections to drugs and sex work. Notably, Syllania Edwards, a 15-year-old runaway from Lawton, Oklahoma, was the only African American victim and the sole out-of-state resident. Tragically, Michelle Valdez was four months pregnant at the time of her death.
Confirmed Victims
The remains unearthed in 2009 were identified as belonging to the following women and girls, all of whom vanished between May 2003 and September 2004:
- Monica Diana Candelaria, 22, disappeared on May 15, 2003.
- Victoria Ann Chavez, 26, disappeared on June 5, 2003.
- Syllannia Terene Edwards, 15, disappeared on August 17, 2003.
- Doreen Marquez, 24, disappeared on October 10, 2003.
- Veronica Romero, 28, disappeared on February 14, 2004.
- Cousins Jamie Caterina Barela, 15, and Evelyn Jesus Maria Salazar, 27, both disappeared on March 26, 2004.
- Virginia Cloven, 24, disappeared on April 13, 2004.
- Julie Cyndie Nieto, 24, disappeared on July 15, 2004.
- Cinnamon Elks, 32, disappeared on August 20, 2004.
- Michelle Gina Valdez, 22, disappeared on September 22, 2004.
Possible Victims
Before the discoveries in 2009, Detective Ida Lopez had compiled a list of missing Albuquerque women known to have ties to prostitution and drug addiction, which included several who vanished between 2001 and 2006. While ten of these women were later found buried at West Mesa, a disturbing nine others remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could be even higher:
- Darlene Marie Trujillo, 20, last seen on July 4, 2001.
- Martha Jo Lucher, 32, last seen on September 3, 2003.
- Anna Love Vigil, 20, last seen on January 21, 2005.
- Felipa Victoria Gonzales, 22, last seen on April 27, 2005.
- Nina Brenda Herron, 21, last seen on May 14, 2005.
- Jillian Elizabeth Henderson-Ortiz, 19, last seen on January 16, 2006.
- Shawntell Monique Waites, 29, last seen on March 15, 2006.
- Leah Rachelle Peebles, 23, last seen on May 5, 2006.
- Vanessa Reed, 24, last seen on June 13, 2006.
Investigation
The investigation has been extensive and riddled with twists and turns. On December 9, 2010, Albuquerque police released six photos of seven unidentified women who might be linked to the West Mesa case. These images stirred public interest, as some of the women appeared unconscious and bore physical similarities to the confirmed victims. The following day, an additional photograph was released, leading to identification by family members who reported the woman had died of natural causes years prior. By December 13, two of the women in the photos were identified as alive and might hold critical information.
In June 2018, the case took another strange turn when additional bones were discovered near the burial site. However, forensic analysis revealed these bones were ancient and not connected to the West Mesa murders.
Suspects
The identity of the perpetrator—or perpetrators—remains a haunting mystery. Police suspect that all the bodies may have been buried by the same individual or group, leading to the moniker "West Mesa Bone Collector." Despite numerous investigations, no official suspects have emerged. In 2010, the Albuquerque PD even offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Several individuals have come under scrutiny over the years, though they have not been named as formal suspects. One of the more notorious figures was Fred Reynolds, a pimp who had connections to one of the missing women and reportedly possessed photographs of missing sex workers before he died of natural causes in January 2009.
Another name that surfaced was Lorenzo Montoya, a pressman living less than three miles from the burial site. Montoya had a history of violent encounters with sex workers and had made disturbing threats, including intentions to kill his girlfriend and bury her. In December 2006, Montoya strangled a 19-year-old sex worker, Shericka Hill, at his trailer, only to be shot dead by Hill's boyfriend while trying to load her body into his car. Investigators expressed skepticism that this was Montoya's first murder, given the brutality of the crime. Strikingly, it seemed the West Mesa killings ceased following his death.
Detectives uncovered a disturbing home video recorded by Montoya, which included footage of what appeared to be a sexual encounter with an unidentified woman, who may have been deceased. The tape included sounds resembling duct tape being torn and a garbage bag being opened, leading to chilling theories about body disposal.
In August 2010, police investigated properties in Joplin, Missouri, linked to Ron Erwin, a local photographer and businessman. They seized thousands of photographs, as he was known to frequent events in Albuquerque, including the state fair. However, Erwin was later cleared as a suspect.
In December 2010, Scott Lee Kimball, a convicted serial killer, claimed he was being investigated for the West Mesa murders but denied any involvement.
A more recent name to emerge is Joseph Blea, known as the "Mid-School Rapist" for crimes committed in the 1980s. His DNA was linked to the rape of a sex worker, and he had previously confessed to hiring women he described as "trashy." Evidence such as women's underwear and jewelry found in his home, alongside a nursery tree tag connected to the burial site, raised suspicions against him. In June 2015, he was sentenced to 36 years for his earlier crimes.
Conclusion
The West Mesa murders remain a haunting enigma, with lingering questions about the victims and the identity of the killer. This case not only reflects the tragedies faced by vulnerable women but also highlights the systemic issues of violence against marginalized communities. The search for justice continues, with the families of the victims clinging to hope that one day, the truth will emerge.
Sources
- Wikipedia contributors. (2023). West Mesa murders. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from Wikipedia
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Murders Begin
The killings of women, later known as the West Mesa murders, begin.
Last Victim Buried
The last of the eleven women is believed to be buried in the West Mesa area.
Remains Discovered
A woman walking a dog finds a human bone, leading to the discovery of eleven bodies.
Photos Released
Albuquerque police release photos of unidentified women possibly linked to the murders.
Identifications Made
Two women in the released photos are identified as alive and may have valuable information.
New Suspect Emerges
Joseph Blea, linked to past crimes, becomes a suspect in the West Mesa murders.
Blea Sentenced
Joseph Blea is sentenced to 36 years for unrelated crimes, while still being investigated for the murders.
More Bones Found
Additional bones are discovered near the burial site but are determined to be ancient.
Reward Offered
Authorities offer a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.