The final defendant tied to the tragic shooting that took the life of 18-year-old Albuquerque Academy student Jada Gonzales has now received his punishment, bringing a measure of closure to a case that has weighed heavily on the city for more than two years.
On Tuesday, 21-year-old Jesse Parra stood before a judge and admitted to his role in the deadly attack that occurred at a house party in 2022. Although Parra never fired a gun, prosecutors argued that his actions directly enabled the shooting. He was behind the wheel that night, positioning the vehicle so two passengers could fire rounds into the home before quickly driving them away.
Parra pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including Shooting at a Dwelling or Occupied Building (Resulting in Death), Conspiracy to Commit Shooting at a Dwelling or Occupied Building (Resulting in Death), and two counts of Tampering with Evidence. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
A Community Still Mourning
The case has left a lasting mark on Albuquerque. Gonzales, described as a bright and compassionate young woman with a promising future, was killed instantly when bullets ripped through the home where the party was being held. Her death devastated friends, family, and classmates who continue to grapple with the senseless loss.
During the sentencing, Judge Courtney Weaks read aloud a moving letter written by one of Jada’s closest friends. The words highlighted milestones the young woman would never get to witness or experience.
“I feel some comfort in knowing that she’s with our creator now, watching over me,” the letter stated. “She’ll be able to see me accomplish those things from above, but I would much rather have her here – to see me receive my diploma, to stand at the altar, to hold my future child.”
The courtroom was silent as those words were read. Judge Weaks used the moment to emphasize the importance of healthy, supportive relationships, noting that Jada had been a positive influence on those around her.
Also Read – New Mexico National Guard Member Arrested at Albuquerque Bar
“That is an example of what happens when people have pro-social interactions in their lives, and have meaningful friendships,” Judge Weaks said.
Accountability in the Courtroom
Before handing down the sentence, Judge Weaks directly addressed Parra, pointing out the devastating consequences of his choices.
“I hope you understand that but for your involvement, Jada might be alive today,” Judge Weaks told him. “That is what you have to realize, and that is what you are going to have to live with.”
Though Parra’s sentence was significant, it was notably shorter than those handed down to his teenage co-defendants who played more direct roles in the crime.
Other Defendants Already Sentenced
Three other young men connected to the shooting were sentenced prior to Parra’s case.
-
Cruz Medina, only 16 years old at the time, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role.
-
Isaiah Espinosa, also 16 when the shooting occurred, received an even harsher punishment of 29 years in prison.
-
Jesse Barrios, who authorities said recorded the crime on his cellphone, was later taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Together, their cases painted a grim picture of youth violence, peer pressure, and reckless decisions that spiraled into tragedy.
A Cautionary Tale
For many in Albuquerque, the case serves as both a reminder and a warning. A night that began as a typical teenage gathering ended with a young life cut short and several others forever altered by lengthy prison terms.
Also Read – Woman Shot Inside Car in Southeast Albuquerque, Police Investigating
The Gonzales family, though heartbroken, has continued to receive support from the community. Friends say Jada’s memory lives on through the many lives she touched in her short 18 years.
As the final sentence was handed down, prosecutors expressed hope that the case would stand as a lesson on the dangers of violence and the heavy cost of poor choices.
While justice has now been served in the courts, those who loved Jada Gonzales say the true sentence is the lifelong grief of losing her—a pain that cannot be lessened by prison time.
