HOBBS, N.M. (KRQE) – The Lea County Sheriff’s Office has charged 22-year-old Adalberto Verdugo for the murder of 17-year-old Ja’Brian Lowe. According to officials, on October 19, a Lea County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled over a vehicle that had swerved into oncoming traffic in Hobbs. They found Lowe, who had been shot, and a 16-year-old passenger. […]
HOBBS, N.M. (KRQE) – The Lea County Sheriff’s Office has charged 22-year-old Adalberto Verdugo for the murder of 17-year-old Ja’Brian Lowe. According to officials, on October 19, a Lea County Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled over a vehicle that had swerved into oncoming traffic in Hobbs. They found Lowe, who had been shot, and a 16-year-old passenger. Lowe later died at the hospital.
Story continues below
Trending: O’Niell’s owners speak out on what caused Nob Hill location closure
Crime: Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office search for stolen generator
NM News: NMSU approves $600K annual salary for incoming president Valerio Ferme
The passenger told deputies that he had been involved in a fight before getting into the car with Lowe. As the two were driving, a red Ford Focus pulled up next to them and fired into the vehicle hitting Lowe.
Through surveillance video and interviews, Verdugo was identified as a suspect. He told investigators that he had fired in self-defense from his vehicle. He said he saw a gun being pointed at him as he passed by the vehicle Lowe was in. Investigators said during a search, they did not find evidence of a gun in the victim’s vehicle or on the victim or passenger.
Verdugo was charged with murder and shooting at a dwelling or occupied building among other charges. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office at 575-396-3611, Investigator Travis Wilson at 575-361-0472, or Lea County Crime Stoppers at 575-393-8005.