In early 2009, a bone was found in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a human bone. This discovery led to an investigation that uncovered the remains of 11 victims buried in West Mesa. Although the discovery was not made until 2009, it is believed that the murders occurred between 2003 and 2005, during which time the victims disappeared. The serial killer responsible for these deaths, was dubbed "The West Mesa Bone Collector", named for mass grave the victims were found in.
The West Mesa Bone Collector primarily preyed on prostitutes, although one victim, only 15 years old, was an outlier. Many people argue that this case was inaccurately investigated because the victims were prostitutes. However, they still had families and friends that mourn them to this day.
The police searched for any DNA or physical evidence to indicate a suspect, but none was found. Additionally, cause of death could not be determined although strangulation is suspected (with no way to prove it). There were only a handful of suspects throughout the investigation, but no evidence ever appeared to implicate any suspects. Therefore, the case remains open to this day.
Do you think this case was thoroughly investigated?
While the discovery of these victims provided answers for 11 missing persons, there were still 8 additional women meetings similar criteria that were never found. In commemoration of those that lost their lives, or are still missing, the following are the confirmed victims and missing women suspected to be related to the West Mesa Murders:
The victims: Monica Candelaria, Victoria Chavez, Virginia Cloven, Syllannia Edwards, Cinnamon Elks, Doreen Marquez, Julie Nieto, Veronica Romero, Evelyn Salazar, and Michelle Valdez, and Jamie Barela.
The eight missing women: Martha Lucher, Anna Vigil, Felipa Gonzales, Nina Herron, Jillian Ortiz Henderson, Shawntell Waites, Leah Peebles, and Vanessa Reed.
We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends that lost loved ones and have yet to receive answers.
Do you think the same person is responsible for these additional 8 missing women?
Why did the West Mesa Bone Collector stop killing? Or are they still out there, but moved elsewhere?
Any information on the case can be reported to the Albuquerque Police:
1-877-765-8273 or (505) 768-2450.
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