Baldree to be sentenced as adult

Teen faces murder charge

A 15-year-old boy faces multiple charges, including alleged murder, following his arrest in Rio Rancho Tuesday. About 11 a.m. Tuesday, Rio Rancho Police Department and Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue responded to a call concerning a woman, later identified as 45-year-old Carmen Kester, who was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in the 1200 block […]

RIO RANCHO — A teen murder case is nearing its end after nearly three years of delays.

Brayden Baldree of Rio Rancho was 15 years old when he killed his aunt, 45 year-old Carmen Kester, and stole her vehicle driving across the city with police in pursuit in March 2022.

Now, at 18 years old, Baldree will be sentenced as an adult. A few things convinced Judge Christopher Perez to make the determination, according to a Feb. 4 order.

The violent and serious nature of the crime Baldree committed suggests he is capable of being tried as an adult, it states. The judge also heard from a doctor that determined Baldree was more mature than most teens his age, referring to trauma and neglect in his past.

“(Baldree) was determined not to have a mental disability. Ultimately, this court found that (Baldree’s) maturity weighed in favor of an adult sentence,” the order states.

The order also references previous criminal activity by Baldree.

It added that Baldree is unlikely to be treated for rehabilitation, so prison time is expected.

While in custody at the juvenile detention center in Albuquerque, Baldree received additional criminal charges after he attacked guards. He was moved to the Metropolitan Detention Center after that.

While he was initially charged with first-degree murder, Baldree pleaded down to second-degree murder. The maximum sentence allowed for second-degree murder is 18 years in prison, which was changed in legislation last year from 15 years.