Daniel Medrano Garcia sentenced in Albuquerque teen murder on Pajarito Mesa

A judge sentenced Daniel Medrano Garcia in Albuquerque to prison for a teenager’s fatal shooting. The punishment resolves multiple felony charges tied to the killing. He is 19 years old.

Medrano Garcia pled no contest to several counts. The charges included first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. They also included armed robbery with a firearm enhancement and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The case involves the death of 16-year-old Jesus Quintana Cota. In May 2024, Mariana Gomez lured Quintana Cota out on a date. Gomez, Medrano Garcia, and Dominik Marques kidnapped Quintana Cota.

The group took him to the Pajarito Mesa. He was shot and killed there. Someone passing through the area later discovered the body of Quintana Cota.

Judge Joseph Montano sentenced Medrano Garcia to 22 years in prison. The punishment followed his plea for his involvement in the teen’s death. Marques also received 22 years in prison.

Gomez received a sentence of 18 years in prison. The judicial district handles felony sentencing hearings after plea agreements. State prison terms follow formal judgment orders entered by the court.

The homicide occurred on the Pajarito Mesa, located just outside Albuquerque.