Teenager sentenced to 29 years in drive-by that killed 18-year-old

A judge on Friday sentenced an Albuquerque teenager to 29 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to firing into a house in 2022, fatally shooting 18-year-old Jada Gonzales.

Isaiah Espinosa, 17, pleaded guilty on Friday to first-degree murder, tampering with evidence and conspiracy in Gonzales’ killing.

District Judge Courtney Weaks accepted the negotiated plea in 2nd Judicial District Children’s Court as family members of both Espinosa and Gonzales looked on and often wept.

Gonzales was a senior at Albuquerque Academy and had recently received a four-year scholarship to attend college at the time she was killed.

The Zuni Pueblo member was struck by a gunshot on Dec. 18, 2022, while attending a house party in the 5200 block of La Bajada NW.

Prosecutor Jolanna Macias said Espinosa and others showed up uninvited after learning about the party on Snapchat. The homeowner kicked out the group after they pulled out guns and posed for a video, Macias said Friday.

Espinosa and his friends were angered about being expelled from the party, Macias said. As the group drove away from the house, Espinosa pointed an AR-style pistol out of the car window and fired several shots, she said.

One of those gunshots penetrated several walls and fatally struck Gonzales in the abdomen, she said.

Several speakers read statements describing Gonzales as an exceptional student and “strong and determined” young woman destined for great things.

“Jada was an old soul and wise beyond her years,” 2nd Judicial District Attorney Sam Bregman said, reading a statement written by members of Gonzales’ family.

Gonzales had shown early promise and was admitted to Albuquerque Academy in middle school. She had just turned 18 and had planned to attend Texas Christian University following graduation from Albuquerque Academy.

“Jada had a passion for children” and planned eventually to attend medical school, the statement said.

The girl had mentored a young boy who had been in the foster system his entire life.

“This little boy tested Jada to her limits,” but eventually he came to trust Gonzales, the statement said. “She was the first person who he could rely on.”

Minutes before he was sentenced, Espinosa apologized to the Gonzales family in a brief statement.

“There’s no excuse for my actions,” Espinosa said Friday. “I apologize and I pray for forgiveness.”

Espinosa’s attorney, Marie Legrand Miller, told the judge that Espinosa was “a 16-year-old boy playing with guns” and was taking responsibility for his actions.

The judge sentenced Espinosa in accordance with his plea agreement, which requires him to serve at least 85% of his 29-year prison sentence before he is eligible for parole.

“Mr. Espinosa, thanks for your statement and I hope that your apology is sincere,” Weaks said.

Espinosa has remained in custody since his arrest on May 16, 2023. Weaks ordered his immediate transport to the New Mexico Corrections Department.