The New Mexico Senate recognized Climate Crisis Day and New Mexico Historic Women Marker Day at the Roundhouse. Discussions on state financial investment, public safety, and broadband expansion took place.
The Senate approved a Certificate of Condolence for the families of 11 victims known as the Missing West Mesa Women. In 2009, the Albuquerque Police Department discovered the remains of these women and an unborn fetus in a mass grave on Albuquerque's West Mesa. The victims are believed to have been buried by one or more individuals. They have been identified as Jamie Barela, Monica Candelaria, Victoria Chavez, Virginia Cloven, Syllannia Edwards, Cinnamon Elks, Doreen Marquez, Julie Nieto, Veronica Romero, Evelyn Salazar, and Michelle Valdez.
Senator Linda M. López (D-Albuquerque) commented on the discovery: "I remember receiving a phone call 16 years ago about the discovery that took place, which, as the crow flies, is about a mile and a half away from my home. It’s a day we’ll never forget." She added that the certificate serves as a reminder of ongoing issues affecting women in New Mexico and nationwide: "What is currently happening, and what continues to happen should remind us that we still have to keep this at the forefront as to how we deal with issues of domestic violence, sexual violence, bullying, and all of the other issues that contribute to how we look at and portray women in our society."
The investigation into these cases remains open. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the 118th Street Task Force or Crime Stoppers.
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