ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The families of Isaiah Montoya and Ernie Estrada gathered in court recently, marking nearly two years since the tragic double homicide that took the lives of the two men. Since the discovery of their bodies in an Albuquerque home in October 2024, the case has captured public attention and sorrow, culminating in the recent sentencing of Bernadette Armijo.
Armijo received a 16-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, effectively concluding one piece of a prolonged legal saga. This ruling, issued on August 3, focused heavily on the emotional toll the murders had taken on the victims’ families, who were given the opportunity to express their pain and loss before the court. Montoya’s sister offered a particularly poignant statement, alleging that Armijo had a disturbing motive related to her brother’s gold teeth. She characterized this as a troubling detail that made it hard for the family to believe that Armijo did not intend to kill.
The legal proceedings against Armijo mark a pivotal moment in a case that has seen numerous twists. Initially facing serious charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated burglary, Armijo’s plea shifted the focus from proving her guilt at trial to determining her punishment. The court’s sentence included a firearm enhancement, resulting in a final term of 16 years in the New Mexico Corrections Department after seven years were suspended from the original 23-year sentence.
The investigation into the deaths of Montoya and Estrada began on the night of October 20, 2024, when deputies discovered the bodies at a residence on Atrisco Drive. The case unfolded over several difficult months, during which authorities conducted interviews and sifted through evidence to piece together the circumstances leading to the tragic event. A series of arrests followed in February 2025, with Israel Tijerina, Armijo, and Jay Kriling being taken into custody in connection with the case.
From the outset, the charges against the defendants varied, reflecting the ongoing nature of the investigation. Tijerina faced initial murder and tampering charges, while Armijo was implicated in a conspiracy to commit murder. Kriling’s involvement also included conspiracy and aggravated battery allegations. As the legal landscape evolved, Armijo ultimately opted for a guilty plea to expedite the resolution of her case.
Armijo’s sentencing shifts attention to the remaining defendants, most notably Tijerina, whose case is currently unresolved. He faces multiple serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, but proceedings have been paused due to a competency evaluation. This evaluation is aimed at determining his ability to participate in his defense and comprehend the court proceedings, a separate matter from the actual charges against him.
Meanwhile, Kriling is also on a different trajectory in the justice system. He recently reached a plea agreement for second-degree murder and is scheduled to be sentenced later this fall. His impending hearing is another significant moment for the families, who have been navigating an extensive and challenging legal process since the deaths of Montoya and Estrada.
Despite Armijo’s recent sentencing being a crucial milestone, the full resolution of the case remains ongoing. As the families continue to grapple with their loss, they await further developments in Kriling’s and Tijerina’s cases. The court proceedings serve not only as a quest for justice but also as a forum for family members to express their grief and demand accountability for the loss they have endured. The path to closure is still unfolding, as those affected by this tragedy seek answers and resolution in a system that has often left them waiting in uncertainty.