Family members of triple homicide victims upset with justice system
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Early Friday morning, Albuquerque police shot and killed Anthony Williams after they say he shot a sergeant.
Williams was convicted in 2019 in a triple homicide. He was 17 years old at the time and only served five months in prison after taking a plea deal.
The family of the victims in that triple homicide were stunned and angry when they found out he would be let out.
“It took us right back to day one. We were victimized all over again,” said Yvette Bernal, sister-in-law to Darren Bernal.
“He shouldn’t have been out in the first place,” said Ruby Rael, Joseph Santiago’s girlfriend.
That is exactly how Yvette Bernal and Ruby Rael say they felt the moment they saw Anthony Williams’ name back in the news this week.
“We knew it was going to be a matter time,” said Bernal.
Back in 2019, Williams, a teen and two other men were convicted for their roles in shooting and killing Joseph Santiago, Nathan Morrison, and Darren Bernal at a house party in Valencia County.
Yvette was Bernal’s sister-in-law, and Ruby was dating Santiago.
“He changed a lot of lives forever,” said Bernal.
Williams, who was 17 at the time, pulled the trigger. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and only served five months.
“I’ve seen what it did to these mothers. I’ve seen what it did to these fathers, these children,” said Yvette. “It’s a nightmare they will have to live with the rest of their lives.”
At the time, the victim’s family members protested the plea deal, which they felt was a slap on the wrist.
“The state of New Mexico, the residents here, didn’t get justice. Now there are other victims,” said Yvette.
On Friday, Albuquerque police say Williams was banging on doors at an apartment complex on Montgomery near Carlisle when police confronted him.
Williams shot a sergeant in the leg and officers returned fire, killing him.
Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman brought Williams case during a press conference with the governor and law enforcement leaders from around the state.
“I do not believe currently we have juveniles who face serious consequences when they first get in the juvenile system. I think that needs to change,” said Bregman.
With public safety a top concern this legislative session, Bernal and Rael both hope serious changes are made to hold those responsible for crime accountable.
“I feel these three didn’t get justice,” said Yvette. “Our justice system needs reconstruction.”
The women didn’t feel comfortable showing their faces because the two other suspects in that triple homicide are out of prison as of Tuesday.