Mariah Ferry accused of 2019 Albuquerque murder and kidnapping

Mariah Ferry is accused of a 2019 kidnapping and murder in Albuquerque. The criminal case involves the death of John Soyka and the abduction of another man.

Reporters Dean Staley and Jessica Garate reported the details on KRQE News 13. Ferry was 19 years old during the alleged crimes. Mitchell Overhand and Chase Smotherman also participated, according to the report.

Ferry allegedly masterminded the kidnapping and murder scheme. The incident involved gruesome torture of a victim. Overhand showed empathy and humanity during the torture incident, according to the broadcast.

That response reportedly spared Overhand extensive jail time in Albuquerque. He had previously served 22 years in prison. He was a teenager when he killed his parents.

A criminal indictment leads to formal court proceedings. Prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury or judge. Defendants then enter their formal pleas before trial.

The program New Mexico Crime Files airs weekly in Albuquerque. The broadcast is sponsored by MedradoStruck Law Firm.