Boy, 11, killed in case of mistaken identity as gang open fire on family car
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT A family of four were leaving a sporting event when two gang members opened fire at their car, killing an 11-year-old boy and leaving his cousin paralyzed
Two gang members have been sentenced to life in prison for killing an 11-year-old boy after shooting at a family car.
On September 6 2023 a New Mexico family- of- four were driving outside an Albuquerque Isotopes baseball game when their car was shot at. It is believed 11-year-old Froylan Villegas was sat in the back seat of his family's white Dodge pickup on the day.
Froylan was in the car with his mum, older cousin and younger brother when Jose Romero, 23, and Nathen Garley, 22, opened fire. The gun men opened fire through the sunroof of their Dodge Durango, mistakenly believing they were shooting at a rival gang member they had argued with that night.
More than a dozen rounds were fired into the family car resulting in Froylan being shot in the head and declared dead at the scene. His cousin, 23-year-old Tatiana Villegas, was hit multiple times and is now paralyzed from the chest down. Froylan's mother and his infant brother were not physically harmed.
Police have said the shocking incident was a tragic case of mistaken identity.
The pair were convicted in February of first-degree murder, attempted murder, shooting at a motor vehicle and tampering with evidence, per the outlet.
Almost two years on from the shooting Romero and Garley have been sentenced. On Monday, June 16 thy were both given life in prison plus 46 years, according to NBC News. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman said in a statement that he hopes the verdict brings "come sort of peace and justice to Froylan's family."
"We're very happy as a family that we got justice for Froylan and me," Tatiana Villegas told ABC affiliate KOAT. "And that's what matters. The rest we leave in God's hands. We're glad to close this chapter and move on."
Prosecutors said surveillance video, ballistic analysis and eyewitness testimony were crucial in securing the two mens' convictions.
The shooting caused New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to sign an executive order on Sept. 7 declaring gun violence a public health emergency. On Sept. 8, she followed the declaration by announcing that she had "issued a 30-day ban on the open & concealed carrying of guns in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County."
The public health order was updated on Sept. 15. In a press statement, Grishan announced that she would be "removing the previous provision around firearms and replacing it with a provision that temporarily suspends the carrying of firearms at parks and playgrounds in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County."
A GoFundMe page was set up at the time by a family member which explained the impact on the family. It reead: "Our family experienced a horrible tragedy on September 6, 2023 as we were leaving a baseball game. A vehicle passed by our vehicle and shot at our family killing our beloved Froylan and injuring our daughter Tatiana.
"Tatiana is now going to have extensive therapy for her to recuperate. We as her family are asking on her behalf for any help that you can spare to help cover any living expenses that are incurred while she is recovering. Funds collected will also be used for our family while we are out of work to help Tatiana with her recuperation and grief of our beloved Froylan.
"This is such a horrific tragedy for our family to endure and do not wish for this on any one. Please keep our family in your prayers especially Tatiana as she has a long recovery ahead of her."
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