Elizabeth Ortiz-Chavez, a New Mexico mother, has pleaded guilty to killing her daughter’s boyfriend, Josue Ruiz, after reportedly letting her teen son, Angelo Baldonado, take the blame for the murder.
RELATED: Florida Mother Arrested & Charged After Allegedly Shooting Her 15-Year-Old Daughter At McDonald’s
Here’s What Allegedly Happened Between Elizabeth Ortiz-Chavez, Her Daughter’s Boyfriend Josue Ruiz & Her Teen Son Angelo Baldonado
According to KRQE News, in March 2022, Baldonado was reportedly involved in an altercation with Ruiz. Furthermore, the incident reportedly occurred behind Lindy’s Diner in downtown Albuquerque. Per Law & Crime, Ortiz-Chavez allegedly orchestrated the incident between her son and the 16-year-old after her daughter, who was pregnant, alleged Ruiz had hit her.
Ultimately, the 16-year-old was shot and killed.
Baldonado — who reportedly was the same age — was initially charged with first-degree murder in 2023, per PEOPLE.
Jail calls reportedly showed that Ortiz-Chavez wanted to confess to killing Ruiz. However, Baldonado insisted she did not. Prosecutors reportedly believe Ortiz-Chavez initially let her son take the fall for the murder because he was a minor and would receive a less harsh sentence.
More Details On The Murder Charges Against The New Mexico Mother
However, in March 2023, Baldonado’s brother reportedly messaged a woman on Facebook about his “brother… not ‘telling’ on his mom,” per Law & Crime.
“I have an older brother locked up because of her,” Baldonado’s brother reportedly told the woman. “…I hate her for what she did. He deserves to be home with his daughter. She’ll never know him at all because she’s a selfish b***h.”
At that point, the woman came forward and shared the information with police. Subsequently, Ortiz-Chavez was arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement. Per KRQE News, she pleaded guilty to the charge on Wednesday, January 15.
Law & Crime reports that the New Mexico mother could face 18 years in prison when sentenced. Meanwhile, Baldonado’s charges have since been updated to “conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and a felony assault charge.” PEOPLE adds that he will remain behind bars until he is 21.
A Father In England Has Been Accused Of Stabbing His Teen Daughter While “Play Fighting”
The shocking incident involving Ortiz-Chavez is not the only one to make headlines. As The Shade Room previously reported, earlier this month, Simon Vickers was accused of fatally stabbing his 14-year-old daughter while they were in their kitchen.
The incident reportedly occurred in July 2024 and left Vickers’ daughter, Scarlett, with a 11-centimeter deep wound.
