Stephen Goldman Jr. convicted of murder in Albuquerque teens case

A jury found Stephen Goldman Jr. guilty of felony murder in an Albuquerque courtroom today. The decision concludes the trial over the 2018 torture and deaths of two teens.

Judge Stan Whitaker read the verdict earlier today. “We find the defendant Stephen Goldman Jr. guilty of felony murder,” Whitaker said. The jury also found Julio Almentero and Jimmie Atkins guilty of first-degree murder.

The men kidnapped 14-year-old Ahmed Lateef and 15-year-old Collin Romero in December 2018. Colin Romero is also identified as a 15-year-old victim. Police said the incident stemmed from an alleged drug deal gone wrong.

Police said one boy tried to buy a gun from Goldman. He possibly wanted revenge on Atkins, a friend of Goldman. The boys were kidnapped and later killed.

Prosecutors presented call logs and video footage at trial. Snapchat footage from the phone of Goldman showed the men driving across Albuquerque. The video recorded the men torturing the teens in their car.

The defense argued the event was a street initiation ritual. Defense attorneys claimed other people actually killed the boys. They also questioned cell phone data reliability.

Deputies found the bodies buried on the West Mesa near Rio Rancho. That discovery happened two weeks later.

Supporters shouted in the courtroom today during escorts. “Pick your head up, we don’t put our head down pick your head up,” a supporter said.

All three men were convicted of two murder counts, two kidnapping counts and armed robbery. Goldman was 19 years old at the time. Witnesses told police Goldman was “a sociopath who preyed on kids.”

Felony murder applies when a death happens during a serious felony. A conviction often leads to formal sentencing hearings where prison terms are determined.

Each man faces double life sentences plus 20 years in prison. Their sentencing dates have not been set yet in Albuquerque.