Las Cruces Felons Charged in Woman’s Death

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The grim halls of justice have once again been echoed with the footsteps of two felons from Las Cruces, NM. Margarito Serena and David Aguilar, both aged 29 and 26 respectively, appeared in court today, charged with federal firearms violations stemming from the tragic shooting death of a woman.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on Jan. 30 at an apartment in Las Cruces. Officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim and found the deceased. The neighbor reported hearing an argument and then a bang, followed by the sight of Aguilar holding a shotgun as he requested police be called.

The neighbor also noted Serena sitting in the living room when they left to call 911, only to later see both men flee the scene. Upon their arrival, officers apprehended Aguilar and Serena, who admitted handling the shotgun.

Aguilar has a sordid past; he was convicted of Armed Robbery and Attempted Armed Robbery in 2016. Serena’s record is equally concerning, with convictions for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm in 2013. Both are felons, barred by law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Despite the gravity of their charges – up to 15 years in prison if convicted – neither Aguilar nor Serena will be walking free anytime soon. They remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing this week.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is leading the investigation with support from the Las Cruces Police Department, while Assistant United States Attorney Maria Y. Armijo is prosecuting the case. For those affected by domestic violence, resources are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.

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