Five teenagers in New Mexico have been charged with murder in the drive-by shooting death of a 5-year-old girl.
The suspects, who range in age from 15 to 19, are accused of opening fire on a mobile home trailer in Albuquerque on August 13. The gunfire killed Galilea Samaniego, who was sleeping inside the trailer with her two sisters.
Who is Galilea Samaniego? Sleeping Little Girl Killed By Five Teenagers in New Mexico
Police say the shooting was the culmination of a long-running feud between the victim’s grandson and one of the suspects. The grandson and the suspect had been friends in middle school, but their friendship ended over a girl.
In the weeks leading up to the shooting, the victim’s family had been subjected to two drive-by shootings. The first shooting occurred on July 29, and the second shooting occurred on August 13, just minutes before Galilea was killed.
Police say they were able to identify the suspects through video surveillance, social media, and the GPS tracking system in one of the stolen vehicles used in the shooting.
The five suspects are being held without bail. They are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
This is a tragic story of gun violence that has claimed the life of an innocent child. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.