3 men found guilty in murder of Albuquerque teens

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A verdict has been reached in the trial of three men charged with the murder of two Albuquerque teens.

Prosecutors said Stephen Goldman Jr., Jimmie Atkins, and Julio Almentero kidnapped, tortured and killed Ahmed Lateef and Collin Romero in 2018.

On Monday, the jury found the three men guilty on all counts, besides conspiracy to commit murder.

Goldman Jr., Atkins, and Almentero are all facing life in prison. A sentencing hearing will be set for a later date.

“It does bring some closure to this chapter of not only recovery for me and my family, but you know, for the boys that way, maybe they can rest a little bit easier now. Knowing that they’re not going, knowing these people aren’t going to go and do this to anybody else,” said Amanda Kimbrel, Collin Romero’s mother.

Two other men involved in the case took plea deals. Stephen Goldman Sr. was accused of burning the car used to move the bodies. He pleaded guilty and finished serving a four-year sentence.

Anthony Aragon also pleaded guilty to charges related to dumping and burying the bodies. He’s currently serving a six-year sentence.

MORE:

• Man accused of helping cover up murders takes plea deal
• Jury selection underway for suspects accused of murdering 2 Albuquerque teens
• Opening statements heard in double murder trial