Gracie Gonzales, still seeking justice two years after her daughter’s tragic murder.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Gracie Gonzales continues to wait for justice two years after the tragic murder of her daughter, Kayla Montano. In March 2022, Montano was fatally shot when a group of teens ambushed her SUV at the Maverik gas station near I-25 and Comanche. Police later revealed it was a case of mistaken identity, with the teens targeting the wrong vehicle.

I was expecting maybe that it was gang-related and her vehicle just got in the way, or some kind of drug deal gone wrong, Gonzales expressed. But when I found out that they were teens, it broke my heart.

Gonzales, grieving the loss of her daughter and grappling with the impact on both families involved, expressed her ongoing struggle for closure. Despite her efforts, she hasn’t seen the outcomes in court she desires. However, after discussions with the district attorney’s office, she understands the limitations of the legal process.

Plea Deals and Legal Proceedings

Suspects Ty Gallegos and Estevan Lucero have both entered plea deals, pleading guilty to first-degree murder for Montano’s death. Gallegos faces up to 10 years in prison, while Lucero awaits sentencing. Gonzales, despite her disappointment, has a message for the teens involved.

I hope that these two years have made you realize, not only did you kill an innocent person and destroyed so many lives, but the actions that you took that night, even if you had the right vehicle, are not justified, Gonzales firmly stated.

Montano’s 7-year-old daughter, who was present during the shooting, continues to suffer from the trauma. Gonzales revealed the family’s relocation due to the child’s fear.

Legal Proceedings Ongoing

Two other suspects, Diamond Salazar and Adam Sedillo, are set to stand trial together in August. Meanwhile, a judge’s ruling allowed Caprice Sicilia conditional release pending further legal proceedings.

A spokesperson for the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office emphasized that while plea deals may not provide solace to grieving families, they ensure that the suspects, who were juveniles at the time of the crime, will be sentenced as adults.

Seeking Closure Amid Legal Realities

Gonzales acknowledges the complexities of the legal system and the plea deals, recognizing that they may represent the best outcome available. However, she remains discontented with the process, seeking closure and justice for her daughter’s untimely death.

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