Bertha Huerta Conde dies in fatal Tijeras shooting

Bertha Huerta Conde dies in fatal Tijeras shooting

Fatal Tijeras shooting death of Bertha Huerta Conde

A 24-year-old man has been formally charged with multiple killings following an alleged home invasion in October 2024. Adlai Mestre faces three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of evidence tampering, and one count of animal cruelty. The charges stem from the deaths of his mother, father, sister, and a family pet, all resulting from gun violence in their Tijeras residence.

According to court filings, emergency responders were alerted by a caller who reported hearing shots from the family’s home on the day of the tragedy. When law enforcement arrived, Mestre was observed outside with a weapon and ammunition. He reportedly confessed to officers during the incident, claiming he had neutralized perceived threats from family members using firearms and that the victims showed no signs of injury, though evidence contradicted this account.

Investigators discovered the remains of the victims located in a nearby depression, and the crime scene indicated a struggle, with signs of blood cleanup and dragging. Mestre was initially held at a detention facility, where he allegedly admitted to plans to inter the bodies. He later attempted to escape by damaging his cell wall, but authorities prevented his escape.

The legal process moved forward in July 2025, with a district attorney announcing the indictment in a public statement. Mestre’s case includes a period where he was deemed mentally unfit for trial in April, but he was declared competent by June. The ongoing proceedings highlight the grim details of the incident, including the use of household items stained with blood and the alleged motive behind the rampage.