Albuquerque Teen Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Uber Driver
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Albuquerque, New Mexico – Sheliky Sanchez, an 18-year-old resident of Albuquerque, is in custody following the shooting death of Joseph Andrus, 53, an Uber driver. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at approximately 10:15 PM near the intersection of Central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), Sanchez directed Andrus to stop his vehicle, a silver Toyota Camry, before allegedly shooting him multiple times. Andrus was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics. Detectives recovered a 9mm handgun believed to be the weapon used in the shooting.
Following the shooting, Sanchez reportedly stole Andrus’s vehicle. The Camry was later located at a residence on kathryn Avenue in southwest Albuquerque, the home of Sanchez’s girlfriend, identified as 17-year-old maria Rodriguez. Rodriguez is currently being questioned by authorities.
In a statement to police, Sanchez admitted to intentionally targeting Andrus, stating he acted on impulse due to overwhelming stress. He claimed he selected Andrus randomly. Prosecutors have filed a motion for pretrial detention, seeking to keep Sanchez incarcerated pending trial, citing the violent nature of the crime and potential flight risk.
Sanchez made his initial court appearance on Saturday morning at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. A hearing on the pretrial detention motion is scheduled for next week before District Court Judge Maria Dominguez.
Context: Ride-Sharing Safety and Violent Crime in Albuquerque
The tragic death of Joseph Andrus highlights growing concerns surrounding the safety of ride-sharing drivers and passengers. While Uber and Lyft implement safety features such as background checks and real-time tracking, incidents of violence against drivers continue to occur nationwide. Albuquerque,New Mexico,has been grappling with a surge in violent crime in recent years,particularly aggravated assaults and homicides. According to APD data, the city experienced a 25% increase in homicides in 2023 compared to the previous year. This case adds to the city’s ongoing struggle with public safety.
The psychological factors contributing to impulsive acts of violence,as alluded to in Sanchez’s statement,are complex and often involve underlying mental health issues and socio-economic stressors. Access to mental healthcare and community support services remains a critical need in Albuquerque and across the country.
Frequently Asked questions About the Albuquerque Uber Driver Shooting
What charges is Sheliky Sanchez facing in connection with the Uber driver shooting?
Sheliky Sanchez is currently facing charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery. Additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of the investigation.
Where did the Albuquerque Police Department locate the stolen Uber vehicle?
the stolen silver Toyota Camry was recovered at a residence on Kathryn Avenue in southwest Albuquerque, the home of Sanchez’s girlfriend, Maria
