FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2018
Contact: James Hallinan (505) 660-2216
Albuquerque, NM – Attorney General Hector Balderas announced this morning that Manuel Gardner, who in 2013 robbed a jewelry store on Coors Blvd. and murdered a single father working at the store in the process, will stay in prison. The Supreme Court agreed with the Office of the Attorney General and affirmed Gardner’s convictions of first-degree murder and armed robbery. Surveillance cameras caught the crimes on video.
Witnesses stated Gardner made off with $1,800 and spent it on heroin.
“Extremely dangerous, violent offenders like Manuel Gardner have no place on our streets and I am pleased the Supreme Court agreed with our arguments and affirmed his convictions,” said Attorney General Balderas.
“Keeping New Mexico’s most dangerous criminals behind bars remains our priority.”
Assistant Attorney General Maris Veidemanis handled the appeal for the Office of the Attorney General.
Please see attached for the Supreme Court opinion and a photo of Gardner.
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