ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – KRQE News 13 has learned more about the murder of a homeless man last month, which police said was perpetrated by a group of teens on a crime spree. Monday morning, the only adult facing charges in the attack learned he will stay behind bars on the charges. The state asked Judge Brett Loveless to hold 19-year-old Alexis Gaytan in custody. Police said Gaytan stole a car in Santa Fe with 15-year-old Isaiah Salazar and 16-year-old Xavier Dimas, as well as a 12-year-old, 13-year-old, and 14-year-old, then the group drove to Albuquerque. Police said they spotted 45-year-old Frank Howard near Menaul Blvd. and Eubank Blvd.
Trial to begin for Albuquerque man accused of murdering homeless man
The prosecution said Gaytan was one of the people who confronted Howard, but they insisted video evidence points to Salazar pulling the trigger. Some members of the group told police they ditched the stolen car, stole another one, and then stole alcohol from a store. Investigators said they ditched the second vehicle, got a ride back to Santa Fe, and dumped the murder weapon.
Gaytan’s lawyer argued his client wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger. But Judge Loveless granted the state’s motion, which means that Gaytan will remain behind bars through his trial…