NMDOJ Secured a Conviction of Manuel “Manny” Rios-Alderete for the Shooting Death of Adan Ponce-Galdeano

This morning, a jury found Manuel “Manny” Rios-Alderete guilty of Willful and Deliberate Murder, Tampering with Evidence, Conspiracy to Tamper and Receiving Stolen Property following the shooting death of Adan Ponce-Galdeano. Rios-Alderete remains in custody following the announcement of the verdict and will face a sentencing hearing at a later date. Rios-Alderete faces up to life in prison, plus five years, for these charges.

“Today’s conviction delivers justice for Adan Ponce-Galdeano and his loved ones. No family should have to endure such a brutal and senseless loss, and while this verdict cannot undo the pain they’ve suffered, it ensures that Manual Rios-Alderete is held accountable for his crimes,” said Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “My Office remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing justice and holding violent offenders responsible. We look forward to the Court’s sentencing to bring finality to this case.”

Ponce-Galdeano was ambushed on Thanksgiving 2022 and shot multiple times, twice in the chest and once in the head. The dispute was over a narcotics-related debt and a feud between Rios-Alderete, his partner Michael Sweeney, and Ponce-Galdeano. Following the shooting, Ponce-Galdeano’s body was discovered in the garage of a home in the Lone Butte area.

Rios-Alderete was one of five defendants in the case and the only one that did not accept a plea deal. Three of his four co-defendants were previously convicted and testified at trial.

The trial lasted seven days. Rios-Alderete will be held at the Santa Fe Adult Correctional Center until sentencing.

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