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Dulce Man Allegedly Shoots Minor, Flees Scene
ALBUQUERQUE – A senseless act of violence left a minor hospitalized and a 21-year-old Dulce man facing serious federal charges. Leandrew Cody Velarde, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, is accused of shooting a minor inside a vehicle following a heated argument on July 21, 2025. The incident, detailed in court documents, paints a grim picture of recklessness and disregard for human life.
According to the complaint, the minor victim was traveling with another individual when they picked up Velarde, who allegedly appeared intoxicated. A dispute quickly erupted, and during the confrontation, a firearm discharged, striking the victim in the buttocks. Sources close to the investigation report that Velarde didn’t stop there. When the victim attempted to contact emergency services, Velarde allegedly threw the phone, effectively silencing their plea for help, before abandoning them at the scene.
The victim was immediately airlifted to a local hospital for treatment of the gunshot wound. Investigators swiftly moved to secure the area, recovering a Glock handgun and a spent shell casing near the location of the shooting. Velarde was apprehended nearby and found to be in possession of marijuana, liquor, and a cell phone – a cocktail of contributing factors that likely fueled the dangerous situation.
Velarde is now charged with abandonment and abuse of a child, recklessly caused, resulting in great bodily harm. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is taking a hard line on this case, and Velarde will remain in third-party custody pending trial. A court date has not yet been set, but if convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 18 years.
“This is a horrific incident that could have easily resulted in a fatality,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison in a press release. “We will aggressively prosecute those who endanger the lives of others, especially vulnerable individuals like children.” Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the FBI’s commitment to investigating violent crime in New Mexico.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, with crucial assistance from the Jicarilla Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is handling the prosecution of this case. Grimy Times will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. (View the Criminal Complaint: Velarde.pdf)
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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