RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – One of the suspects charged in the death of a disabled woman could spend three decades behind bars. In 2023, law enforcement stopped a van at the U.S.-Mexico border and found 38-year-old Mary Melero unresponsive. She was covered in bruises and also had exposed bones. Angelita Chacon, who was Melero’s caretaker and her co-defendant Patricia Hurtado, were charged for the death.
On Monday, Chacon pleaded no contest to abuse resulting in death, false imprisonment, Medicaid fraud, and kidnapping. She faces between 20 and 30 years in prison. Last year, Hurtado pleaded guilty to kidnapping and Medicaid fraud, facing nearly two decades behind bars. She also agreed to testify against Chacon. Both suspects have to pay more than 3 million dollars in restitution…