You can let him throw him on the side of the mountain, like he's a piece of trash. You should be ashamed of yourself. >> Somewhere in the mountains of Southern New Mexico, there was a body. The people responsible had already gone home and returned borrowed tools to a neighbor. Tools that were still covered in blood. And for a brief moment, they almost got away with it. His name was Albert Bernard Pena, 67 years old, a grandfather, a mechanic, a man known around town for rescuing dogs nobody else wanted. Mountainair, New Mexico, a quiet desert town of about 1,200 people. Albert Pena had lived here almost his entire life. On New Year's Eve 2025, Albert drove to the Willard Cantina with his friend Moises Lopez. Security cameras captured them drinking and playing pool. Albert joked around with the staff and enjoyed probably one too many as evidenced by his pool skills that night. The always generous Albert offered to buy Moises whatever he wanted. >> Get whatever you want. >> You'll never have a best friend like me. >> Albert, you are my best friend. >> Security cameras show Albert and Moises leave the bar. This would be the last confirmed sighting of Albert Pena alive. On New Year's Day, Albert's brother reported him missing. >> I've had my friend go check at his house several times. He's not answering. It is not like him cuz he has his dogs at home. He never leaves his dogs. >> Right. >> That same day, Albert's sister-in-law, Clarissa Pena, was being sworn in as the new president of the Albuquerque City Council. During the ceremony, she paused the event and asked the entire chamber to pray for Albert's safe return. Investigators wanted to speak with Moises, the last person seen with Albert. But when they called, it was his girlfriend, Jaylene Luark, who answered. >> When is the last time you saw Albert? >> Three days before New Year's Eve. >> So, are you guys friendly or just acquaintances? >> He met my boyfriend and those two get along great, you know, like >> Immediately, she begins to backpedal, downplaying the relationship between Albert and Moises. And you said that they hang out you said Mr. Mr. >> No, they don't like hang out hang out like I mean like I've been with them where they've hung out that time and then I think he's hung out with them a couple times without me. >> Okay. >> But like nothing like extraordinary, you know what I mean? >> Is Is Moises with you now? >> Yes, would you like to talk to him? >> That would be great. Do you know a person by the name of Albert Pena? >> Uh-huh, yes I do, sir. >> Okay. And when is the last time you saw him? He's missing. >> Two or three days ago we went to the bar me and him and then uh he had an argument with some dude there. >> And what did Do you know what they were arguing about? >> I don't I really don't know. >> Moises told detectives the night ended with Albert saying he was going to meet up with some friends and that was the last time Moises saw him. >> Yeah, I would be too, you know. >> Would you keep your ears open? If you hear anything, please let us know. His family is very worried and we're trying to get him >> I I I will, sir. I will. >> Okay. Investigators then went to the bar where Albert was last seen, hoping the waitress could shed some light on what happened. Albert was here the other night. >> Yes. >> How much does he usually drink? >> Three. >> Okay. That's >> Three. >> That's that's the that's >> to get more out of us. Three. >> He was He was here the other night with a young man. They were here together. I watched the video. They leave and then a couple hours later he shows back up in the parking lot. >> By himself? >> Yep. It's concerning. >> It's very concerning. >> Because he came back by himself. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um were they getting along okay? >> They were fine. They were perfectly fine. >> I don't want to sit here and say that this guy did something wrong. >> No. >> But something's not right. >> Everybody's got this weird feeling about this guy already. And then the girlfriend is missing. Nobody can find her either. Her her off, everything. >> Okay. >> Three days later, using a police helicopter, deputies spotted Albert's vehicle abandoned along a rural road. >> All right, there's nobody inside of it. There's good tire prints coming and going that do not match this vehicle. So, I did not drive over the tracks. The tracks are golden. >> I think there's another one right here. >> Oh, [ __ ] There's blood. >> Is there? >> All over the a ton of it. >> I think Oh, yeah, that's blood. >> That's right there. And down on the ground. >> Is all that dark? That is it. >> I think it's all blood. >> Oh, [ __ ] Oh, yeah, there's blood all on the outside of the door, too. >> Detectives canvassed the area expecting to find a body, but there is nothing. Then later that night, the case took a sudden turn when they received a call from a woman named Ashley. She told deputies that some acquaintances had asked to borrow tools so they could go chop wood in the mountains. >> She pulled up and she was all twacked out and then we were like, "We're going to sit in your driveway and at 12:00 in the middle of the night." >> Okay. >> And we're like, "That's not cool." Anyways, we don't do that up here. And she's like, "Hey, can I borrow some tools?" And she's like this, like you could tell, like her eyes are all big and stuff. So, >> Those friends were Katie Landrum and her husband Manuel Lopez. Manuel is the brother of Moises, the man who was last seen with Albert. What alarmed Ashley is that when they later returned the tools, there were spots of blood on them. >> I let her use my dolly. >> Okay. >> I let her use my ax, and I let her use my handsaw because I wouldn't let her use my chainsaw. So, she was trying to also borrow a shovel. >> Okay. >> So, how I was like, "Dude, the things they asked for was weird." So, I'm pretty sure that's >> that blood? >> So, there there Does that look like blood to you? It's freaking us out. We're freaked out, so >> Yeah, it is blood. >> Yeah. >> This one does have blood right there. >> My kid said that last night. They came in my house when they dropped this off. >> Yeah. >> going through my room while I was sleeping. I was dead asleep. Like, we're freaking out. Crazy. >> No, of course. Did she tell you why she needed these tools or anything? >> it was for wood. >> For wood? >> For wood. >> I mean, the shovel, I don't see why you need a shovel for wood. >> This is what they wanted to use. They were like, that's what we need. >> Okay. >> Investigators tracked Katie Manwell to their workplace, a pet boarding facility called Pet Paradise. >> Sheriff's office. How are you doing? >> I'm doing good, sir. >> All good. >> Their answers were vague, their explanations didn't make sense, and they were palpably nervous. >> Katie, okay. Can I ask you some few questions? All right. If you want him to be present or you want him to be Okay. So, some questions were brought up since you did borrow tools from Ashley. You borrowed a dolly, a axe, and a hacksaw tool. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, the questions I brought up that there were blood on the on the dolly. Can you explain that to me? >> Yeah. Mom was out cutting wood. >> And where were you guys at? >> Up in the mountains. >> There were blood on the dolly. She was concerned because of that. >> No, just my We got cut cutting wood, so >> Okay. All right. Well, I appreciate you for talking to me and speaking with you guys. All right. >> Yes, sir. >> All right. Well, you guys have a safe day, okay? >> You too, sir. >> All right. Bye. >> The next piece of evidence came from an unexpected source, Katie's daughter. >> I was told you might know where your mom been at and where she's been hanging out. Cuz they told me that that she was out up in the mountains somewhere cutting wood. >> I don't even know why she's cutting wood. I've never seen her cut wood. >> They don't They don't have fireplace. >> They Yeah, they don't have fireplace. >> Yeah. >> Cuz this was yesterday. >> She told the officer she tracked her mother's phone. >> And that's where she was at yesterday? >> Yeah. >> Cuz she did borrow some tools and the tools did have blood on them. >> Oh. >> She said that her one of her friends cut themselves. >> What manual was it? >> A Lopez. >> If I'm being real, I'd watch out for him. She's always trying to be the worst she can be. >> I say watch out for them lying cuz you she loves to lie. >> Lie like a dog. >> Liar in the world and she will. >> Yeah. >> But investigators were about to get a much clearer picture of what happened. Later that night, about 100 miles south of Mountain View, a dramatic traffic stop would break the case wide open. Katie Minwell, Moises, and Jaylene were pulled over on an Indian reservation by a federal agency, the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Keep in mind, this officer has no clue about the Albert Pena missing persons case. He simply pulled them over for drifting out of their lane. >> All right, what's up, man? >> Listen. >> Got your license on you, ma'am? Okay. That's all right. How's y'all's night going? Good. Where y'all heading? Try your luck? >> Yeah. >> All right. Good luck. >> All right. >> That's a joke, right? That's what everybody says. Is this your vehicle? >> Oh, yes. >> Do you have insurance and registration? >> Yes. >> How you doing? You guys got IDs? Not on you? What about you? So, the reason I'm stopping you, uh you failed to maintain the lane of travel. No big deal, I'm not going to write you a ticket. Said I'm not in the business of writing tickets. I just want to make sure nobody's drinking and driving up here, which obviously you're not. So, just let me do what I got to do and then we'll get y'all out of here, okay? >> Thank you. >> What's your name, boss? >> Jesus. >> Huh? >> Jesus. >> You don't got no ID? >> Uh no, sir. >> You don't carry an ID? >> No, we I do but we left it at home. >> Huh? >> We left it at home. >> You left it at home? How you supposed to win a jackpot without an ID? >> I don't know. >> Huh? >> We didn't we didn't go to the casino. >> What? >> We didn't go to the casino nowhere. >> She just said y'all going to the casino. >> They did, oh we didn't go. >> Huh? >> They did, we didn't go there. >> The casino's over this way. Y'all ain't even going that way yet. I know that cuz you haven't got to it yet. Yeah. >> Come on out. You ain't making no sense, dude. Get out. I can be cool, but don't push it. All right? I tell you to do something, that means do it. Get out. Do you understand me? All right. Now, I'm going to give you another chance cuz this is the third time I'm telling you to get out of the car. Get out. You ain't listening. You keep looking back. If you got some stupid word, bro. 705, I need help at my location right now. I'm fighting with one. FIGHTING WITH ONE. GET OUT. GET OUT. GET OUT. Y'ALL PUT YOUR HANDS UP ON THE STEERING WHEEL. ON THE DASH. GOT A MALE IN ALL CAMO RUNNING DOWN the highway. You're going TO GET TASED. PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT AGAIN. PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK. BEHIND YOUR BACK. TASER DEPLOYED. I need help. I got three more in the car. Don't move. I'll tase you again. You thought I was playing. I knew you was going to do something stupid. I've been doing this too long. Get up. Stand up. You're going to get hit by a car. Get up. So, what happens when you run from the police? Just knock it off, dude. That ain't going to work. Breathe, dude. What'd you run for, stupid? You got a warrant? Huh? >> Can you give me air, bro? >> You're outside. >> Can you GIVE ME AIR? HELP ME. >> You're outside in the air. >> I can't breathe, man. >> It's pepper spray. >> Give me air. Yeah. >> I was going to ID you, maybe write you a ticket for not wearing a seatbelt. That's it. >> Reload. >> That's what happens when you be a dumb ass, dude. It's on camera, dude. 2026. Thanks for not driving off, okay? You would have made it way worse. You're not dying. It's pepper spray. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Help. Dude, you are acting like a child. >> You guys have my all. >> Ain't nobody run for just a Something else going on here. You probably got a ID in this probably in this wallet, too, don't you? Well, that ain't you. >> When they searched Moises' pockets, they found Albert Pena's credit cards and driver's license. >> Give these to dispatch. >> We're just getting the tasers out. We got it one in the butt. >> One in the butt? >> Yeah. >> Sorry, my man. Come on out. That's your brother? Why he do something like that? You got no warrant. You guys were nothing short of compliant. Y'all be free to go here shortly, okay? Did you know why he did that? >> I don't know. I think it's cuz he's on probation. >> Well, generally people that are on probation don't do things like that. Uh do you know why he did this? >> No. >> You have no idea. No. So, he's got a parole violation warrant. That's why he did that, I believe. Do you know who this person is? Is this his >> I have no idea who that is. >> Okay. I'm just wondering. Cuz that's That's definitely obviously not him. It was in his pockets. I don't even know. Do you know who this guy is? Okay. All right. So, we'll have to look into that. >> When the homicide investigators got word, they quickly traveled down to interview Moises in jail. >> Um I can't do anything about your probate or your parole violation. >> know. I understand that. >> Um keeping those rights in mind, are you comfortable talking with us at least for a little bit? >> But I used to I told you everything I knew, so. >> Okay. Well, I have a couple of additional questions I think you might be able to help with. Would you be willing to answer those? Or see if you're willing to if I tell you what they are. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Okay. Here Here's the deal. You You've been around a long time. I've been around a long time. I'm not going to come in here and treat you like you're stupid. I'm not playing games with you. Um I know a lot more today than I did on Saturday when I spoke with you. Okay? I'm going to cut right through all the [ __ ] I know that something bad happened and that Albert is not with us anymore. Okay? I know that for a fact. Okay? >> Are you serious? >> I I'm I know that you were there when it occurred and I can prove it in court. What I don't know, cuz I wasn't there physically, is I don't know what happened. Okay? How it happened is important. How What happened we already know. And it's not good. Okay? >> I You You You got to tell me You can tell me off, sir. And I know that you know the one I went home. I don't know what happened after that, sir. I'm telling you. >> Moises, I I can prove that that's not true. Though, I know why you're saying that. I know why you're saying that. And And if we hadn't have found what we found in the last couple days, that probably would have been okay. But now I know that's not correct. Okay? And I can start with I can start with your arrest. Okay? You had some some items in your pocket when the police stopped you. Okay? There were some credit cards and some items. >> cuz he that suit that he that I have, he gave it to me. That night it was cold. >> Which one? >> The suit that I had the army suit. All that stuff was in I didn't You were drunk going like I didn't even know. I didn't even know that stuff was in there. It tastes stuff, you know? >> Okay. Well, then what you say right to it? Why are your fingerprints in his blood in that vehicle that we found in the vehicle? >> There's no way that my fingerprints are in there. They broke. >> I You think we drove all the way down here to BS you? I could have done another phone interview. >> I understand I understand that. But I don't My fingerprints aren't in there. >> Dude, I'm not kidding you. You sure? Albert's dead. You were the last person that was with Albert, okay? >> No, he dropped me off, yeah. >> He didn't. We tracked his phone. Okay? Up until 2:30 a.m. the phone's on. Okay? >> I told you he dropped me off. >> Well, that's but that's not accurate though, Moises. >> What I don't know what you're What what you want me to tell you then? >> The the truth. Because here I don't know what occurred. We know that Albert was drunk. >> We were drinking, yeah. We were drinking. We cruised a little bit. >> Yeah. And then something happened. >> He dropped me off. No, he dropped me off, sir. Even you can ask my girl. She was right there when he dropped me off. >> You were driving You were driving the Trailblazer. >> No, I was not driving. >> Yes, you were. >> Oh, no, I wasn't. >> This is going to be simple, okay? If that's the story we're >> you the truth, sir. That I did not drive that night. >> You're not You're not being truthful. >> I'm telling you the truth. >> You're not. And what the end at the end of the day when I disprove all of this, okay? Then what you're going to end up getting is a first-degree murder. >> Why me? I didn't do nothing to him. >> Okay. Then I guess we'll just go to court and I'll just fix >> I have my alibis. I have my witnesses. I was in the alibis. I didn't do nothing, man. My girl was there. >> She's a liar. >> JC >> And she's catching charges for this, too. >> Why? Why? Because she he took us home? >> Tampering with evidence, murder, felony murder. >> No, we didn't tamper with nothing. We didn't do nothing. >> No, if you You're not impressing anybody. >> I'm not impressing nobody, sir. I'm not >> At the end of the day, you'll catch >> I don't hurt somebody. I never hurt nobody in my life. >> Well, I don't know why you did it. >> I didn't do nothing. >> A man ended up dead and you have his You have his property. >> have his property. How would I look at my phone? >> Okay, Moises. >> That's how the story goes. >> Look, what he's trying to explain is that There's a next What he's saying is Just hear me out real quick. >> He was cool, daddy. >> Okay. I understand. >> I don't know what he had in his pockets. Okay, so he I >> Look, just hear me out real quick. I understand what you're saying about the phone. >> No, you know because that's not my stuff. >> Okay. It doesn't That doesn't make a difference. Yeah. >> This is what doesn't make a difference. >> No, what doesn't? You're in possession of it. He's dead. >> Yeah, well, I didn't know that. >> And And your fingerprints are in his blood. >> Don't you think if I I knew, okay, say have threw that or I hit it. >> I don't know if you did. >> Well, come on. I guess we I'm not guilty of none of that. >> Okay. >> Man, and then you dumped it out north. I ain't done nothing wrong. No. >> That's not true. And we'll see what she says because you don't really care. You're already in trouble. >> I'm not I wouldn't say I don't care, but this is my life. >> And stack a first-degree murder and we're going to >> nothing, you know. I ain't doing nothing. Why are you going to stack that on me? I ain't doing nothing. >> You're lying. >> Man. >> Because I don't know what happened. >> I felt like you were lying. You were lying. I just want you to know. Cuz you guys deserve Man, this So, you I guess you >> Put it down. >> I didn't do nothing. You don't need to know. >> We're going to call somebody. Now, what we're going to do is we have a search warrant. >> That's fine. >> They're going to get your fingerprints. >> That's fine. >> And then you're going to be charged. >> That's fine. I ain't doing nothing. >> Well, that is that is just not true. >> Okay, well, you say that's true or that's true, but I'm telling you what it is. It's true, man. >> It's not Something something's getting left out here. When did he give you the jacket? >> We were We were uh >> He's already asked for a lawyer. >> Okay. >> Wait, wait, we're done. >> Body cam. >> You're going to regret not telling us what happened because I know there's more to the story. >> No, but I'm telling you what it is. >> Okay. >> Well, I would have That's my friend. >> I I don't know. That's the whole reason I came down here. >> Okay, well >> Because something happened. >> No, it didn't. Get it. >> Well, that's not true. >> Yeah, he's my friend. >> So, that being >> He invited me. We went drinking. We drank. It's like all the other times we drank before and then Nothing's ever happened. We're friends, man. >> We're friends, man. >> photos that we have to do. >> Man, you're a friend. You know that. He helped me out a lot. No, he didn't. No motive. None of that. Sir, like that. That's my friend, you know. No, I never hurt nobody in my life. >> The investigation was closing in, but detectives were still trying to piece together exactly what happened. So, they turned their attention back to Moises's brother and his wife, Katie. >> What's going on, guys? >> What's up? >> We're not taking you guys away. We just got to talk about some stuff, okay? You can all relax here, okay, ma'am? It's like what what were you all doing up there and just kind of walk me through everything. >> We were chopping some wood over here by La Presita Canyon. >> Okay. >> Cut his hand? >> Some other guy. >> Calls himself Boots. >> Calls himself Boots. Okay. Manuel and Katie introduced this mysterious figure they call Boots, claiming he was the one who cut his hand. Conveniently, they don't know his real name or where he can be found. So, who cut it Who cut their hand? >> Boots. He calls himself Boots. >> Oh, you don't know his real name, though. >> No. >> All right. So, this person whose name is Boots. >> Yeah, that's what he told us his name was. >> It was Boots. >> There's just a lot of strange circumstances surrounding the whole thing. That's That's kind of what we're talking, okay? I just want to make sure no one's freaking hurt or anything anything we we need to know about, man. >> Oh, no, no. >> So. >> How did he cut himself? Or how did the blood get in the dolly? >> I don't know. We're all just cutting wood up there. >> I mean, if you don't mind me asking, the wood for what What do you need the wood for? Like, for who? >> Well, we were just going to go up there hanging out and then we were going to make a campfire, but it started raining, so we left. >> Okay. >> Then you guys You guys were out there for quite a while, man, you know. >> Probably not long. Too long, I don't think. >> Yeah. It's a lot of blood. >> On the dolly. >> I didn't really see how much was on there. >> Okay. So, there's a lot of blood. With two If I was going to go cut some wood, there's some things I'm going to want. All right, I'm going to want a chainsaw. So, you guys had a hacksaw. And there was a shovel. Okay. And then there was a shovel. >> A shovel? >> Yeah. Asked for a shovel. >> Yeah, you guys asked for a shovel and an axe. >> This isn't like a a bluff. I'm just kind of telling you what it is. I'm just like being honest and open with you. All that equipment was swallowed. And all that's in the well. Is there any reason that blood is not going to come back to the guy who cut his hand? You tell me if that blood's not going to come back to him. >> No. >> Is there anything you need to tell me, Manuel? >> No, sir. >> Nothing at all? >> Nothing I know of. >> If we do come across this missing person, um guess who the prime suspects are going to be in the disappearance of that missing person. You and your wife. >> So, where was he cut on his hand? >> Uh right here. >> I'm using an axe and I chop wood literally every day, so I don't know how I would cut my hand. I can I can imagine cutting my shin or something like that, but I'm trying to figure out how a cut on the hand would happen. >> So, we didn't use We never used the hacksaw for nothing, so and I don't know how he cut himself. >> And your wife bring back the tools if it was like at midnight in the middle of the night. >> No, it's cuz she she she told me she's like, "You make sure when you're done you bring them right back." >> Exactly. I'm just saying, dude, it's it's I've been doing this [ __ ] for 20 years and your stories are [ __ ] Like I'm just going to not going to lie to you, dude, your stories don't make any sense. If you guys used those tools to try to essentially dispose of the body, it's going to get found. And and like I said, dude, like you and your wife are going to get in a lot of trouble. Not saying that you guys did. But again, it's just you guys are going to be the number one suspects. >> It looks like it could not be as you're saying. If it's not as you're saying, that's going to be very easy to tell, too. >> Okay. >> Okay? Then it's going to be a serious problem for you. And I'm I'm I'm trying to give you an out here. I'm trying to let you help yourself. If there's something that we need to know that you can make this easier for us, you need to do what you should do. >> Okay. Nothing happened. >> Things are sort of adding up, man, well, what we're trying to say, man, okay? So, if there's anything you may have left out, anything we need to know about, or maybe it was an accident and somebody got hurt up there. >> I'm good for it, man. He just cut wood and he cut himself. >> How do you How do we get a hold of Boots? >> I don't know. >> I'm just making I'm just trying to make sure nothing bad happened to anybody, man, so. >> Did you bring any wood back? >> Uh no, it's all up there in that pile. >> Do you guys have fireplace here or something like that? Do you guys burn wood here? >> We have. >> It's weird though, right? With the whole circumstance. Like like >> I don't want to go that way, yeah. It's scary. >> You don't think I'm going to find out if something happened. You're so confident that I'm not going to find out. I promise I promise I'm going to find out. And you'll be okay if I find out if something happened. But if I find out and you don't It's Katie, right? I promise you you will be as much responsible as who actually did the thing. Help me help you. >> Okay. >> Okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. Talk to me. Talk to me, Katie. Come over here. Over here. Talk to me so I can help you. Talk to me, Katie. Katie. >> Right now you're just being detained. You're not being under arrest, okay? Handcuffs are now. We'll go to the sheriff's office, okay? >> And and just so you know, this is fixing to get a lot bigger. A lot bigger. I I'm going to say this to you real quick before he it gets real official, okay? What you do right now and the decisions you make right now determine what kind of trouble you're in in terms of the spectrum of trouble. You leave today or you spend the rest of your life in prison. There is a spectrum and everything in between. The decisions you make here in the next few hours in a room determine where you end up. >> That's fair. >> I I meant when I said I'm trying to help you help yourself. You walk in the front room. Okay. We'll meet you up just follow us. >> The detectives pressure worked. Katie cracks and agrees to cooperate. >> I didn't want to lie to you, but I don't want my husband to see. >> I know. I hope you don't feel I was being rude to you, but do you do you know what I meant when I like I when we can see something's not right? >> Yeah, I wanted you to see something wasn't right cuz I wanted you to take me somewhere else. >> I got you. I got you. She says that Moises called him freaking out saying he had killed someone and needs help. Did Moises ever tell you guys don't say anything? Okay, he did. And did that come with any sort of threat or is he like >> Crazy, I just assumed he'd do the same thing to me. >> Sure. Did you ever were you ever in fear that day that if in any way you didn't go along with it, something could happen to you or your husband? For sure, okay. Okay. >> I'm sure he's screaming at everybody. Can't trust these [ __ ] blah blah blah. >> Like saying that when he can't trust these [ __ ] as in like you and Jolene? >> Yeah. >> Like when you get home, or do you and your husband have a conversation? >> He's like we're we're both mad at his brother like why did he come down here and do this to us like and Manuel's crying cuz he's like this is the first time I've ever done this good in my life. I have everything going good for me. He's like and then my brother comes and pulls this [ __ ] like >> Did Moises tell you guys anything about what happened? >> No, he just told me that he just said he felt in a mental uh schizophrenic episode. >> Is he friends with the guy or something? Like do you know? >> he was really good friends with him. He said the guy would bring him food every month and everything. He said he felt really bad about it. He didn't know what to do. >> Yeah. So did you kill anybody? >> No. >> Okay, right. What's the worst thing you did? >> I'm going to get him let him get in the car. >> Right. Tampering with of evidence. Katie. Katie leads detectives to the remote mountain spot where she claims the murder took place. I'll let you kind of lead the way, okay? Just like paint the picture for me, okay? So you guys are all hanging out there. Moises and Boots, were they fighting? >> No. I don't know. We're all just hanging out here and everybody's walking around and they just kind of walked up together. >> Did he bring an axe with him? >> No. >> And so then he brought him back with the dolly? >> Yeah. >> Okay. When they went up there, Katie did you hear like a scream or anything or a struggle? Nothing? Okay. >> His brother told us he shot him. >> Moisés said he shot him. >> But we never heard a gunshot and he didn't have a gun on himself that we know of. >> Back at the station, detectives refuel Katie for the long day ahead. >> It's girl. If you were going to He didn't eat your food. >> I'm trying. >> Eat your food. It's going to It's a long day. Eat. >> You know what he said to you guys? >> No, shouldn't be crying. >> Katie was taking detectives on one last trip. She was about to lead them to the exact spot where Albert's body had been dumped. >> We got a like a cliff right here. You see this cliff? >> Yeah. >> I'm on it. >> Okay. >> After searching the rugged terrain, they finally located the body of Albert Peña. He had been thrown off the cliff like discarded trash and landed face down in a patch of cactus. >> Oh, I see. >> The plot? >> Yeah. Yep. We won't need recovery or a search and rescue. >> As detectives prepared to begin interrogating Manuel, Katie warned them that her husband would never crack under pressure and turn on his own brother. >> Well, is he going to He's not saying anything. >> Because it's his brother. >> He won't say nothing, ever. >> Detectives were about to find out if that blood loyalty would hold up. They began by buttering him up with some free McDonald's. >> All right, Manuel. I got you some food right here, bro. Manuel, You all right, baby bro? >> Yeah, I'm just staggering out. >> Weren't you saying something? >> I said, "I love you, babe." >> Oh, okay. Well, she's been instructed not to say anything. >> Okay. My fault. >> Detectives begin by pressing for more details about the mysterious character Katie and Manuel referred to as Boots. >> Like the last time you saw this guy, Boots, he had like a gash on his head, right? So, did you ask like what happened with this dude? Like where did this guy go? >> I don't know. Like he just like what? >> Does that not seem strange to you? >> Well, yeah, kind of. >> Okay. Well, then I'm just trying to figure I'm not here to judge you. Like you didn't ask. Okay, great. But if it seems strange to you, why would you not ask? Like what was it about that that you wouldn't want to know what what happened with this guy? >> I don't know. I don't know what this guy's about, so I don't know. >> Okay. >> You know? >> Okay. So, you don't you don't really ask about >> No. >> Okay. Dude, I'm assuming Katie told them the same thing. Do you know she told them exactly what you're telling me here? Or is it going to be different? >> I don't I don't know. >> Why if it was different, why would it be? >> It shouldn't be. >> It shouldn't. I agree with you there. Can you think of any reason why if Katie's story is not matching with yours, why that might be? >> No. >> Okay. Do you think it could be because she's not related to Moises? And we're not down here on accident. All right. You need to make a decision here while we're sitting here. What's what's it worth to you? Okay? Because you're about to make a mistake that's going to get you wrapped into something that's going to put you away for the rest of your life. And I'm not kidding. And you already know it. >> Yeah, I do. >> All right. It's your brother. >> Yeah. >> I get it. We're not here by accident. So, I need you to cut the [ __ ] and we need to get to the truth. Because right now it would be just as easy for me to walk out of here and then come back with a warrant and take you in for first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. So, now that we got all the BS out of our system, okay? I'm not going to judge you. I would probably do the exact same thing. That was my brother. I need to talk to you. >> I'm scared, bro, because like >> When >> I wasn't doing so good. Me and my wife and >> I believe it. Don't >> He really smoked and did everything, you know. >> Don't Tell me what happened. And then tell me the truth because the problem we have now is we sat in here for an hour listening to you pump a bunch of [ __ ] out. Now what that does is your credibility is shot. We know a lot more than you think we do. Now what If you tell the truth, we're going to be able to fact-check that. You tell the truth, we're going to be okay, okay? If you lie again, I'm just not going to mess with you. It's easier for me to put you in. >> I said, "Don't worry about the days correctly." >> Well, then let's just let's just start with what happened and then worry about the days later. So, the truth. Just go through Start from the beginning of how Moises got a hold of you, where you went, what happened, and then I'll worry about the days. Please. When he called you, what did he say? You have to be accurate. I know this sucks. >> He said, "Zane, brother, um I need to talk to you if they're going to kill me. Uh uh nonsense. So, I need your help, blah blah blah. >> He said, "For what?" >> He said, "They're going to kill me and I have to get out of the room." >> He didn't really say anything. >> Really? I was about to pick him up. And I go, "Oh, what's up? Talk to me." He's all like, "Bro, cuz I I I don't have a vehicle. I don't have things like I need I need to do something." And so I go, "Okay, man." >> He told you at some point what happened. What did he say happened? >> He said he killed somebody. >> Did he say why? >> No. He's too high to even talk, so he's all he's high and he has some tools, so where did they drop off? He told me I was only going to be in the car for >> Okay, Manny. So, you're saying that he dropped you off there and he took your car? Okay. Do you know where he went? >> No, I don't. >> How long was he gone? >> 8 hours. >> Okay, so he's gone about 8 hours and you're sitting here at this house. Eventually, does he come back? >> Yeah. >> Okay. What does he say? >> He didn't really say anything. He's just paranoid. >> So, he and Jaylene leave together in the vehicle alone or without you, I should say, and they come back about 8 hours later. With the tools you gave them. You give those tools back to Ashley, you said? >> Yeah. >> But you said you didn't realize if there was blood on them. >> No, cuz it was dark outside and when he he can't really see. >> Well, he told you he killed somebody. He told you he needed tools. He told you he needed to go. And when he comes back, there's a giant blood stain there. Like, common sense is common sense. Like, I understand you're saying you weren't in the car. I hope you weren't. If you weren't there and I understand that, but you're smart enough to put two and two together. >> Yes. >> A normal person would try to clean that up. I'm not riding around on somebody's blood in the back seat of my car. But I said you tried to shampoo >> Yeah. >> Okay. I asked if that worked. You said no. >> It worked. More or less. >> So, if I go look in the back of the Blazer now, what does it look like? Everything's there and it looks like the stain is just maybe a little lighter or are we missing carpet? >> Yeah, missing carpet. >> Right. Why? Be- because there's a blood stain. Okay. Are you You're of the tampering with evidence thing? >> I'm afraid of all of that. Okay, well, I get it. Who cut the carpet out? Was it you or Katie? It wasn't me. Okay. Jaylene's going to break the second we have her in this room. She is not built like you guys. All right? If I get a different story from her, I can promise you you're going to end up catching a first-degree murder charge, tampering with evidence, and everything that your brother's, even though your brother may have been the one that killed this man. The body's here. All right? So, I need to know how he got up there. Did you drive him up there and and drop the body off? No. Did you ever see the body? No. Was it on in person that he told you he killed somebody? Or was it on the phone? >> No, it was in person. >> And he never told you why or what happened? Like why this dude this dude did something to him? >> He just said he didn't want to talk. I wanted to talk to him, but he wouldn't talk to me. >> At all? He just said he needed a car and tools. What did you think he was going to do with the tools when you said he killed a man? Dismember the body? >> I What do you got like >> He asked you for tools that could be used to dismember a human body. So, do do you think he would have it in him to do it? >> I guess at the at the state of mind that he was in probably. >> I'm more concerned, personally I'm more concerned with what happened to this poor man. Um this is an elderly guy. He didn't do anything to your brother. I don't know what your brother I was really curious as to what the story would have been. This guy's in his 70s, almost 80s. He basically took your brother in and was trying to befriend him. You are there's a high likelihood you're going to get charged and there's a high likelihood that the state's going to expect you to come into court and explain everything that you just said here. Because we're talking about first-degree murder and robbery case. There was your your vehicle was used to basically transport a deceased person across two counties to dispose of the body. Um if you had called the police the second your brother said he killed somebody, we wouldn't be talking here. I'll tell you this when we get up and leave this room, if I talk to somebody else or I find out that any part of what you told me is is not accurate, then don't worry about it anymore. I can promise you you're going to get everything I can give you. So, don't let me walk out of here. If there's something you know that that you maybe didn't want to give, but you know I'm going to walk out of here, give it to me now. Once we go out there and that door closes, that's your statement. If I disprove it, then I'm throwing all of it out cuz I've got I've got you dead to rights on the vehicle. So, I'm not positive you didn't go back to Mountainair and move this man's body. I'm not. I'm going to have to figure that out. And if you were up there and your and your brother did it, now's the time to explain it. There's no difference in being there when your brother picks this body up, okay, and brings him back down here and waiting at somebody's house, which I'm not necessarily sure I believe for 8 hours. You understand that? The crime is the same. But, what it shows is that you're really not willing to tell the truth. You're still worried about covering your own ass. So, I'm going to ask you one more time because I I think we're close to getting the truth, but I don't think we're 100% there. I don't believe that you lent your brother the car. I think you went back up there with your brother. He did whatever he was going to do and you were not going to give him your vehicle. Your brother is high on drugs. That's your only way of getting around. That makes no sense. Did you shoot the man? >> No. >> Did you stab the man? >> No. How what what what happened? >> I'm not sure either. Did you kill him? >> No. >> Okay. Then then then let's let's take that off the table. I also but if you went up there with your brother and you then there are questions that I can ask you to confirm that and I can get some things worked out because what you're saying isn't 100% accurate. And you're not helping yourself. Is that making sense? Like you've already stepped in the dog [ __ ] Like just let's just own it and and move on. But right now you're you're leaving out a fairly important part of the puzzle. And when I go back and prove that you were up there in Mountain Air, you're just going to look like a liar. And then I then if your brother says "Manuel killed him." I'm not sure your brother would say that, but if he did say that, I can't disprove it. Does that make sense? So, why don't you tell me the truth about going up there? >> No, he left there. I don't know. >> I'm going to walk out of here. Have I Have I bullshitted you once? >> Uh I don't know, bro. You know what I mean? >> Have I bullshitted you once, Manuel? I'm not here with an arrest warrant. I'm not here trying to screw with you. I'm simply asking for the truth. I know for a fact, as I sit here in front of you, and I've done nothing but been straight with you. I know for a fact that you and your wife went up there with him while he did what he needed to do as far as getting rid of the body. Okay? I already know that. It doesn't change anything. Still your brother, still there there, but there are things that I need to know. So, please, why are you Why are you leaving that part out? What is it about that part that you think makes it so much different? Do you think seeing the body is is is makes you makes you more involved or less involved? And I'm telling you that I'll I'll leave. Like I'm not going to I'm not going to like raise my voice or do anything stupid here. I'm not here to intimidate you. I'm here to get the truth. But if I'm not going to get it from you, I'm going to get it from your wife. Okay? Because your wife's terrified about going to prison. >> Uh well, I'm terrified too, bro. >> Then then what do you mean then what are you still lying for, bro? >> I'm not trying to lie to you, bro. >> You went up to Torrance County, bro. Okay? didn't stay at sheriff's house. I know you didn't. And I didn't go help him dump car or anything. >> Okay, then tell me the truth about where you went. >> Um I don't even know where the [ __ ] it was. But it was somewhere of J's family's property. We were no there and he did what he did. >> And when you said he did what he did, did it did it You guys are all up there, you, Jayden, Jaylene, and Moises. Did you ever see the body there on that property? Tell me the truth. Where was it out on the property? >> Like a dog house kind of almost. >> Okay. Was it in something that's not as big as a house, but it's a small building that's got kind of a pitched roof and a door? >> No, I don't think it did I don't think it did have a door. >> But you think it was like a small You said a dog house. I >> Yeah, it's kind of like a dog house, too. >> Okay. What was the body wrapped in? >> It wasn't wrapped in anything. I don't think. >> You were just You just saw him laying there, the man? I believe that's probably as close to the truth as I'm probably going to get with you today and that's probably all I'll take it. We've got him. Okay. We We know he was dumped off the cliff. Okay. Who dumped him out of the vehicle? He didn't touch him again. The man's blood are on the tools. Okay. Why So, where where does your brother attempt to dismember this man's body? Where did that happen? >> I don't think he he don't he don't try. He don't try. >> Then why then why is the tools? >> Cuz he wanted to, but then he didn't want to deal with the mess. >> Okay. How scared were you driving down with a dead body in the back of your vehicle? Like were you not terrified that some the police were going to stop you? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. Next, detectives brought Katie in for deeper questioning. It was time to see if her story would hold up under closer scrutiny. >> He's like and then he starts talking and he's going well I killed someone and what the what the what the you know and and these people they take him out they pull him out of the pump house. I guess they thought a car was coming so everybody just started running and they grabbed the body and threw it in the back of my car. >> Into the Blazer? >> Yeah and I'm like what the like You know that's my car and what the [ __ ] is going on you know we just got thrown and everything was about dying on this real quick and So then everybody's like well go go go go go everybody's panicking and freaking out and so we just take off driving. >> So it's an important question now you're clearly seeing what's going on did you ever touch the body? >> No. >> Did your husband ever touch the body? Okay. >> So he gets on and gets the dolly and he's mad because none of us want to help him. >> And that you mean like you won't help him Jaylene doesn't help him and your husband won't. >> No he's mad cussing at all of us like telling us we're [ __ ] about our decisions and [ __ ] what kind of family are you and like his husband's were trying to do good to them we're already been through the switch like and he's like we can't he's like I can't brother I can't and he's like being he's mad because you know I guess they're really close and that's not my how my his my husband's usual behavior because you know he's lived a tough life so but we're trying to do good now so he's telling me he can't and I what he he does so he gets he's trying to pull him on the dolly and he keeps slipping off and he's getting mad so eventually he just throws the dolly down towards the car and he pulls him down. >> He puts the dolly back in the car he puts the the man back in the car the dead body back in the car and he gets back in and where does he tell you to go? >> Down down back up to the cul-de-sac. We're like no we're not doing this we're not even doing this and he's like yeah I we knew it was a remote area so I was like we I just wanted to be over with I don't so I'm like here's this road right here. Can we just go here?" Like I want to be done. >> So, did you pick that road because it's like a way in for people? Okay. >> So. >> Did he say something or >> driving and I was like, "I'm just done. I don't This needs to stop. Like this he's it stinks so bad. I don't know how long he had been dead before we got there. I don't know. I just can't do any more of this fighting. I just wanted it done." So, I just pulled over and I was like, "You know what? I don't care what's going on. You just need to get this out of my car." Like >> So, you stopped. What happens then? >> So, he gets out and he puts him on the fence. >> And he's able to lift him up over the fence? >> It's already broken down, so when he went to was on the first time So, he's not big Moises and so he struggled this night cuz it's just not happening. I guess he got stuck on the fence. I just pulled him out. I didn't need He was like, "You're not going to help me and this guy's on the fence." But then he pulled him out and walked further and then threw him over to this other part. >> And is that where he was found today? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Did anyone ever say anything about what happened? Like why he killed this man? >> He said he had a schizophrenic episode and freaked out on him. >> That's what Moises said? Did he say how he killed him? Okay. From anything that you saw like >> shot him, but I didn't like at the body too much. I didn't from afar. I didn't >> But you heard Moises say he shot him? >> Yeah, but there was I didn't And what I did see, I didn't see nothing, but I wasn't looking at the body too closely. >> Just show up and tell the truth. It's all that we can do with this. I I appreciate it and I'm I know the family's going to appreciate you doing that. >> Yeah. >> I mean it's a big deal. This they've been worried sick about him. I think everybody kind of knew something bad happened, but they didn't know exactly. >> Yeah, like I asked Jaylene cuz I couldn't ever talk to her about myself, so I had And he finally got out of the car and he said, "Has he been reported missing or what?" She's like, "Well, yeah, his son." And then they just like broke my heart, you know. >> We sat down not long ago right in front of Moises and he just said, "I don't know what you're talking about." So, some people have a heart and some don't. >> After a long night of interrogations, detectives bring in Jaylene, Moises' girlfriend, for the final interview. At this point, the lead detective is exhausted and out of patience. There's no easing in. He cuts straight to it and makes it clear he has zero tolerance for any more BS. >> Try to get a hold of yourself. Let me explain what's going on and we're going to get to the bottom of this, okay? Okay. Well, I'm going to be honest with you. You have a reason to be scared, but I'm going to tell you that we can get through this, but you have to be honest. I'm all done with the games and and the lead up and all the [ __ ] You're the last person I want to go home. Um so, we're just going to get right to it. The first time you lie to me, I will make sure that that gets basically held against you when we get to court, okay? This is basically a decision that's going to make a difference for you for the rest of your life. Um unless you want to be going to jail for a first-degree murder charge, then you need to think Don't don't play this game like you don't know what I'm talking about. Listen to me. Listen to me. If If you want to I'll I'll walk away right now and I promise you this isn't going to end well. Okay? I'm not I'm not playing this game with you. You know exactly why we're here. We've already talked to Katie, okay? We have Moises and I've already talked to Manuel, okay? This is no joke. Okay? We have Albert, okay? So, the thing is if you want to play this game like you don't know what's going on, it'll save me time and we'll just take you back to Torrance, okay? I know you didn't kill him. Do you understand that? Okay? But, it's what happened after that that becomes extremely important. You got tangled up into something that you have no business getting tangled up in. Do you understand that? Yes or no? >> Yeah, but like but but I didn't do anything. >> I So So, you're saying that you don't know anything I'm talking about? You You want You want to play this game, Jaylene? No, no. I'm talking about a murder. Okay? >> I don't know nothing about a murder. >> You don't? >> No. >> So, the three people that we've talked to already, they're lying? >> I don't know. >> We We already know about the property off of Bronco. With the blood, the footprints. You wouldn't play this game with me. I I dare you to stay with that story. You You You want to go to prison for this. >> No. >> Then stop with the [ __ ] We're not here. This isn't someone just coming by to check on you. >> Yeah, I didn't >> You already have a warrant. I already know about you guys bringing the body down from Torrance. You were there. He's the one that got you involved in this. Okay? But you were there. You were in the vehicle with two other three other people. Okay? You witnessed things that you probably shouldn't have seen. The problem you have is taking them over to the property on Bronco. Okay? >> I didn't take them there. >> [ __ ] >> take anybody >> I can prove you did. I can prove you did. >> I want my lawyer. I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything. >> You were going to That's perfectly fine. And actually, that saves me a ton of time. Because when we're in court, you're going to regret sticking with this story. Because you're going to take the ride for this. >> Can you tell me what they said? >> I'm not telling you anything. You want a lawyer, we're going to take you back to Torrance. >> I didn't do anything. He's the one who did everything. >> Yep. We're going to go We're going to go back to Torrance, and you're going to take the ride for this. >> Why am I taking the ride for this? >> Because you're a liar. >> Why am I a liar? >> I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's because you're scared or it's genetic or what the Okay. Well, now you're going to lie. So, basically, now what's going to happen is I'm going to go into court. I'm going to prove you're a liar. >> No, cuz I'm not going to lie. >> You are You're lying to me. >> I'm not lying to you. >> You said you don't know what happened. It's that simple, Jaylin. It doesn't work that way. That's a lie. >> I didn't do anything. >> Okay. Go ahead and get him in the patrol car. >> I didn't do No, I didn't touch anything. >> You're under You're under arrest for tampering with evidence of a plan of first-degree murder. >> I didn't tamper with anything. >> Yes, you did. >> I didn't do anything. >> Mhm. Yeah, you did. No, you don't need to Your promise doesn't mean anything to me. Yeah. What What you're used to is you're used to just being able to cry and tell people you didn't do something. You're a liar. Yeah. No. You were You were there on Bronco when they took the body. I'm not I'm not Yes, you were. So, how did they end up on your family's property? Don't answer that cuz I'm not supposed to be asking any more questions. Yeah. Well, we already know why they were there and you were there. >> Why were they there, then? >> Jailyn, no. No, no. We've dealt with you multiple times and we've always been straight up with Power has always been straight up with you. >> You told me a lie. I never LIED TO HIM. I WAS JUST telling myself the time I've ever even met him. >> Just so we get the transport officer. >> What did you do anything? >> I told you. We're It's a first-degree murder case. >> I know, but first-degree murder means that you did it. >> No, it doesn't. There's conspiracy. >> No, but >> I'm not going to answer any of your good questions, okay? You really didn't do yourself any favors today. >> do anything. >> You're a liar. >> No, I'm not. I promise you. I didn't touch anything. I didn't do anything. I didn't do nothing. >> You don't need to say anything else. You're just Now you're just wasting my time. >> No, I didn't. I swear. I didn't do anything. I wouldn't do that. I promise you I didn't do anything. I've always told you the truth. >> You're lying. >> No, I'm not. >> And Albert's And Albert's family deserve better than that. >> Yeah, but I didn't >> You should be You should be Don't sit here and say that. You should be ashamed of yourself. He's a good guy and you let him throw him on the side of the mountain like he's a piece of trash. You should be ashamed of yourself. Ridiculous. He's a good man, but we'll just throw him here on the side of the mountain. Him, right? As of now, the case against Moises is still in its earliest stage. The criminal complaint was just filed on April 2nd, and he is facing first-degree murder along with the additional charges of robbery and tampering with evidence. If convicted, he faces the most serious penalty under New Mexico law, life in prison for first-degree murder. The additional charges could add several more years on top of a life sentence. So far, no pleas have been entered and no court dates have been set yet. Katie's case is further along. Prosecutors filed the case on February 27th, charging her with tampering with evidence and conspiracy to tamper with evidence. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for August with a jury trial set for September 14th, 2026. Her husband, Maynel, faces the same charges, but currently has no court date set. If convicted, they could face significant prison time. Tampering with evidence as a third-degree felony carries up to 3 years in state prison, while conspiracy to tamper with evidence as a fourth-degree felony carries up to 18 months. Those sentences could potentially be stacked along with fines. Jaylene was originally charged with the same two felony offenses, tampering with evidence and conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. Jaylene's court case already began back in January, and after appearing in court, she was released and allowed to be free while the case proceeded. But then, just a few weeks later on February 16th, the state dropped both charges. Prosecutors chose not to pursue the case, and the charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning her case is no longer active, but the state could potentially file charges again if new evidence emerges. Albert Paynter left behind a large family, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and the dogs he rescued and cared for at his home in Mountainair. To the people who knew him, Albert wasn't just a name in a police report. He was a friend, a neighbor, a man remembered for kindness.