crime

The family of a 23-year-old woman from Albuquerque, who tragically lost her life when confronting the thieves who stole her car, demands justice for their loved one. The incident involved a 13-year-old suspect who shot Sydney Wilson after she tracked her stolen vehicle to a Smith’s grocery store and gas station in Southwest Albuquerque using a GPS app.

According to KOAT Action News, Sydney Wilson’s family stated that she was fatally shot by the 13-year-old suspect when she approached her stolen white Hyundai. The minor later surrendered to the authorities and is currently held at Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center, facing charges of murder, tampering with evidence, and unlawful possession of a handgun.

The national press, including Fox News, is now picking up the story.

Before the fatal shooting, the teen suspect and other juveniles had stolen alcohol from Walgreens and recklessly driven the stolen car. As the situation escalated, the car’s driver crashed into a black Mustang and a curb while attempting to escape, leading to the deployment of the car’s airbags.

Sydney Wilson’s sister, Crystal Miller, recalled arriving at the scene shortly after the attempt to resuscitate her sister. She expressed deep anguish and regret for not being there to prevent the tragedy, as Sydney had called her moments before the shooting to inform her about finding her stolen car.

Despite Crystal’s guidance against confronting the thief, Sydney was determined to reclaim her car, displaying her strong-willed nature. Her family believes that even though the suspect is young, he should face severe consequences for his actions.

Crystal Miller emphasized that she wants the harshest penalties for the teen and even believes that the suspect’s parents should be held accountable.

Sydney Wilson’s mother, Deidra Wilson, echoed the sentiment, expressing concern over the lack of adult supervision and the need to improve the home environment for children in New Mexico. She questions why a child as young as 13 was involved in such dangerous criminal activity.

“I want the maximum sentence for him and the family involved. He is 13 years old. There’s no reason he should have been on the streets without an adult,” Wilson said. 

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina acknowledged the broader issue of minors engaging in criminal behavior throughout the state and emphasized the importance of uniting as a community to foster a healthy environment for children.

The family’s calls for justice and accountability highlight the need to address the larger problem of juvenile involvement in crimes and ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

During the 2023 Legislative Session, Democrats made it easier for underage offenders to be sprung from prison, even those like the suspect who had killed another. Therefore, the suspect, if charged, will be eligible for parole early, depriving the Wilsons of peace of mind knowing the perpetrator is behind bars.