The defense attorney for a 15-year-old boy accused of second-degree murder has requested that a review be made to see if her client is competent to stand trial.
Brayden Baldree is facing multiple charges including alleged second-degree murder. He could face over 30 years in prison if convicted.
Baldree’s attorney, Jessica Perez, successfully asked that the case be stayed until a competency review was conducted. As of Monday, there was no timeline as to when that will be, according to the Sandoval County District Court’s Office.
He is currently being held at the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center. Sandoval County doesn’t have its own juvenile detention facility.
On the morning of March 8, the Rio Rancho Police Department and Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue responded to a call about a decreased woman, later identified as Baldree’s 45-year-old aunt Carmen Kester, in the 1200 block of Mirador Loop. When they arrived, they found the victim had multiple gunshot wounds, according to the RRPD.
By the time RRPD and Fire and Rescue arrived, he was no longer there, after allegedly taking his aunt’s red sport utility vehicle and driving it across the city. Rio Rancho schools were put on lockout during the police pursuit. Baldree was caught and arrested off Sundt Road near Pearl Drive that afternoon.
According to the court petition, prior to fleeing the scene Baldree had allegedly hidden Kester’s body. The document did not provide any further details.
Along with second-degree murder, Baldree is facing charges of alleged aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer, a fourth-degree felony; unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony; and tampering with evidence.
On March 10, the county DA’s office made a request seeking adult sanctions to be placed against Baldree. If he is found guilty, he could receive the same sentence as an adult, which in this case could mean a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison and a $37,500 fine.
