Trial in 2022 murder of massage parlor worker begins

The trial for a man accused of fatally shooting a masseuse during a robbery two years ago began on Tuesday with the selection of a jury and an opening statement made by the prosecution.

Defense attorney Stefanie Gulley said she reserved her right to an opening statement.

Jorge Rivera-Ramirez, 21, of Albuquerque, is charged with an open count of murder, kidnapping, tampering with evidence, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery in the Jan. 24, 2022, death of 45-year-old Sihui Fang at a massage parlor in Northeast Albuquerque.

The trial for his co-defendant, Juan Carlos Hernandez, is scheduled for Aug. 26, according to court records.

Second Judicial District Judge Brett Loveless told the jury the trial is expected to last until Monday.

Prosecutor Natalie Lyon said on the day of the killing, a man — later identified as Hernandez — came to Wonderful Massage asking Fang for a massage. Fang was ready to give him a massage when he pulled out a firearm. She tried to leave when his accomplice — later identified as Rivera-Ramirez — pushed her back inside the business.

Lyon said the two men started pointing firearms at her because “they wanted her money, they wanted her things. They wanted to rob her.”

According to police, the men then dragged Fung by the hair to the back office when the video cut out.

Police said detectives believe Fang gave the men money before she got a gun and shot Rivera-Ramirez, who later called police to report being shot.

Police said video and physical evidence indicated Rivera-Ramirez ran into another room before shooting back at Fang. According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court, she had been shot by Rivera-Ramirez and Hernandez 10 times. A handgun was found beside her body and bullet casings were seen all over.

“She never stopped fighting for her life,” Lyon said.