The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has made significant progress in solving recent murders by charging and arresting Gabriel Valenzuela Green, Jr., for two murders and identifying him as a suspect in a third murder. The cases, all related to narcotics trafficking, occurred over a 9-day span.
Valenzuela-Greene, known by the street name "Memphis," was linked to the shootings through diligent investigative work. Detectives utilized various resources such as ShotSpotter, the NIBIN ballistics tracing program, APD’s Digital Video Recovery Team, and Digital Intel Teams to swiftly resolve the cases.
The first murder took place on March 4, 2024, where Jacob Rivera lost his life after being shot nine times in an alleyway behind the Smoke Shop at 112 Indiana St., S.E. The subsequent murders of Lawrence Zamora and Donte Barnes on March 13, both linked to the same 9mm handgun, further solidified the connection to Valenzuela-Greene.
Through investigative leads, detectives were able to track down Valenzuela-Greene to a residence at 932 California St., S.E., where he was apprehended by SWAT officers attempting to flee. The arrest was a culmination of thorough police work and collaboration among various investigative units.
Valenzuela-Greene's involvement in these tragic events was confirmed through witness testimonies and evidence, including video surveillance and ballistics analysis. The swift resolution of these cases underscores the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement in pursuing justice for the victims and their families.
APD's efforts have not only led to the arrest of a suspect in multiple murders but also serve as a testament to the department's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the community.