Man arrested in murder of 11-year-old boy released ahead of trial

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — One of the three suspects arrested in the murder of 11-year-old Froylan Villegas is getting released from jail ahead of trial.

The district attorney’s office had asked a judge to hold 26-year-old Daniel Gomez in jail until trial.

However, during the hearing Tuesday, a prosecutor announced they were withdrawing that request because it appears Gomez did not have an active role in the shooting that killed Froylan and seriously injured his cousin Tatiana.

Instead, prosecutors asked for conditions of release.

Based on an agreement between the prosecution and defense – and the fact the detention motion was withdrawn – Judge Clara Moran placed Gomez on an ankle monitor. Gomez isn’t allowed to communicate with the other suspects or victims, or possess drugs or guns.

A spokesperson with the district attorney’s office says they are in the process of reviewing the charges against Gomez. He’s still charged with murder, for now.

The other two suspects, 22-year-old Jose Romero and 21-year-old Nathen Garley, are being held in jail until trial.