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Teen murder still under investigation, mom pushes for justice on Mother's Day
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RIO RANCHO — It has been nearly seven months since 15-year-old Adrian Maestas was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Now, as his family continues to push for resolution, Rio Rancho Police Department continues to investigate.
In an email May 13, RRPD stated it is still actively investigating the teen’s Oct. 30 murder.
“The Rio Rancho Police Department is actively working leads and examining multiple forms of evidence in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Adrian Maestas. Our detectives are diligently pursuing every avenue to ensure a thorough and complete investigation,” Capt. Jacquelynn Reedy said.
Maestas’ mom, Darci Romero, took the opportunity to say something at a memorial for her son on Mother’s Day.
“Mother’s Day is a day that I was dreading to come. Waking up each morning is a struggle within itself, especially when I wake up from dreaming of my baby. I just want to stay in that dream and continue to hold him, but I can’t. Six months and no arrest yet, but our faith is strong that justice will be coming soon,” she said in a message to Observer staff.
Maestas was a football player at the start of the 2024 season, his mother said. He was disenrolled from Rio Rancho Public Schools in September, the district confirmed. At a vigil in November, his former teammates showed support.
“We love Adrian. Very good young man,” teen Jesse Campos said at the time.
James Barreras, another teen, said Maestas was inspirational. “I’d do anything to see him one more time,” he said.
Romero is now demanding justice for her son and asking for the community’s help.
“I worry about my community and their children as these guys just don’t stop. Parents are on high alert and worried for their children, and it’s not fair. Adrian wasn’t just special to us, he is special to so many because of who he was in his 15 years of life, and that alone speaks wonders. If it wasn’t for my Rio Rancho community, family, friends and those in surrounding states that continue to reach out daily reflecting their love, support and outrage, I really don’t know how I would get through my days,” she said.
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“Adrian is my everything and my entire day always revolved around him with school and sports, and even though he’s not physically here anymore, that hasn’t changed.”
She stated that she sends anything she gets to RRPD’s detectives, hoping it will help.
“I want to thank everyone who joined us last night to not only remember Adrian but support us in our fight for justice,” she said.
She also thanked people for calling in to RRPD with tips.
“I know they have been bombarded with tips and information, but I promise that these calls make a huge difference in our son’s case,” she stated.
Reedy stated that RRPD knows the impact this case has had on the community, adding they remain committed to bringing justice to Maestas’ family and his loved ones.
Reedy stated that upon completion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review and appropriate prosecutorial action.
