A jury has convicted Jose Romero and Nathen Garley of first-degree murder for the 2023 killing of 11-year-old Froylan Villegas outside an Albuquerque baseball stadium. The verdict caps a case that ignited New Mexico's gun ban debate, with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham suspending firearm rights in public spaces following the tragedy.
Prosecutors confirmed the men face mandatory life sentences for firing into a truck mistaken for a rival vehicle, fatally wounding Froylan and paralyzing his cousin Tatiana.
This verdict delivers long-awaited justice,said District Attorney Sam Bregman, while defense attorney Thomas Clark vowed to appeal the legally complexoutcome.
The shooting prompted swift action:
- 30-day public health emergency declared
- Gun carry bans in Albuquerque parks/playgrounds
- Statewide protests from Second Amendment advocates
Governor Grisham's controversial order survived multiple lawsuits despite critics arguing it infringed on constitutional rights. Children's safety can't wait for perfect solutions,she asserted during the 2023 reforms announcement.
As Romero and Garley await sentencing, Froylan's family continues advocating for stricter firearm regulations. The case remains a flashpoint in balancing public safety with gun rights – a debate now headed to the New Mexico Supreme Court.