[music] So, he did pass away. >> Yeah, he's been deceased for a while. >> Oh, wow. >> I figured by the color of his skin. >> This is beyond. [music] In May of 2024, a couple driving around a remote area southwest [music] of Albuquerque, New Mexico, stumbled upon a grim scene. The lifeless body of 16-year-old Jesus [music] Kintana Cota. >> And you guys said you were just driving by and you saw it. >> Is this common or not? >> It is. >> That's why we're ranked number one in crime in America. His body was riddled with gunshot wounds and abandoned in the dirt. It's going to be an obvious 107. >> This is a young kid. >> It was a scene that would unravel a tale of teenage vendettas and coldblooded [music] revenge. >> Wonder if it's a GSW. It's through his eye. >> At first, there were few answers, no witnesses, no immediate explanation for how Jesus ended up dead in such an [music] isolated place. >> This here is the like that's just the exit. >> What? >> Like that's from the exit. >> Yeah. Oh, the blood coming from the ears, too. >> Yeah. You think it was done out here? You think they dropped him here? >> I think it was done out here cuz the way the blood is. >> No. >> Could have been standing up when it happened. The fact that he's laying down and it's all going downward into the dirt. >> There's a shell there. >> Oh, why no shoe though? Unless there was a struggle. >> How old do you think he is? >> Definitely not 21. >> Why do you say that? >> He just looks very It's like undeveloped still, you know? >> Yeah. >> If he got shot >> back of the head, >> unless that unless his eye is the exit hole, but if it's that, it would be a lot bigger, you would think. >> Yeah. You should ask if anybody's called in about their kid missing. >> We showed up. He is definitely deceased. There's no need for them to be like, "Let me check his pulse." Like, they're just going to contaminate the scene more. Obviously, we contaminated already by walking up here, but who cares? There's his eye. Obviously, my hair executed. >> One month earlier, Jesus had allegedly fired shots at Daniel Garcia's car. Though no one was hurt, the altercation ignited a fuse of revenge. So Daniel and his associate Dominic Marquez enlisted a friend to lure Jesus out under the promise of going on a date. This friend was Mariana Gomez Semis. Mariana claimed the boys threatened to kill her if she didn't help them. So posing as a romantic interest, Mariana messaged Jesus on social media. After setting up the date, Mariana picked up Jesus in her car, but it was an ambush. After jumping Jesus, the teens alleged they picked [music] up an unidentified older man. They all drove to the desert where the teens say it was the older man who fired the fatal shots. One month later, Mariana, Daniel, and Dominic were arrested. >> HANDS UP. POLICE. ALL OF YOU. >> Walk here. >> Go ahead and step toward me. >> Oh, you grab my hair. >> Do me a favor. Put that stuff down real quick. You want to drop your bag as well? >> Yeah. Um, >> don't turn around. >> Can you Are you guys going to grab this? >> We'll take care of everything. Don't turn around. Thank you. Thanks for being cooperative with us. >> These are going to be really loose on you, okay? So, don't do anything crazy and slip them. All right. Where do you want to put your stuff? What were you going to ask me to do? >> What do I do with my check? >> Can you call my mom or something? >> Um, can you transport? >> Can someone help me out, please? I have here, please. >> Yeah. You >> want your coffee? Is that a coffee, I'm assuming? Okay, I'll bring it with you. >> Mitch, can you follow down to the main sit right there? I'll put these at your feet. I'll put the food right here. McDonald's. >> This wasn't the first time detectives spoke with Mariana. Earlier in the investigation, before she was formally charged, they interviewed her as a witness. But now that charges have been filed, their focus has narrowed to the unidentified man who was allegedly the actual shooter. >> Hello, Mariana. >> Surprised to see me again? >> Not really. Just to kind of explain a little bit about what's going on. Okay. Um I'm going to have another detective come in here and he is going to show you a series of photographs um about that other person you told me about. um the the sombrero um and he's going to explain it. He has no clue. He doesn't know anything about this case. So even if you ask him, I have to use someone that has no idea about the case um present this to you. Um if you see him, great. If you don't or not, once that's done, I'm going to come in and >> Is that going to happen soon? >> Yes, it's going to happen in about 2 minutes. You're going to come in and then when he's done, I'll come in. I'll finish up with you and then it we'll be done. So, it'll just be pictures. >> Yes. >> Okay. And don't feel like you have to choose. If you see the person, great. If you remember that person, great. If you don't, it's not a big deal. [snorts] Don't feel like you have to choose someone. Other people in this case, they talk as well. So, you know, we're just trying to find out who this other person is. >> You guys got found in January. >> Yes. So, um Yep. and we're trying to find out who that other person is. This like I told you it's the other detective. This is Detective Wilz. Okay. So, just before we do this, I'm the last time we're at your house. I hate advising you rights. Okay. I'm just going to read those to you. Okay. Do you understand your rights if I advise them to you? Okay. So, we just let you take a look at some pictures. Do you mind just looking through them and saying if this is the person that you picked up? Okay. >> So, um can I get your no? I'm going to stand out just since I don't want to influence anything like this. So, I'm going to step out. He's going to do his thing and then I'll talk to you when we're done. >> All right. >> You broke my thermostat. >> Did it? >> That's not very nice. >> I didn't break it. Just fell off. >> I'm sure it did. >> It looks like it has a camera in there. >> It doesn't see. So, why are you breaking my stuff? >> I didn't mean to. >> That's not very nice of you. >> Cold in here. It is cold in here and that it doesn't work. Okay. Um, so obviously they told you did they tell you what's going on and why they brought you down here? Okay. All right. So you are under arrest. >> Okay. Um, you have a warrant for first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. Okay. >> Wait. Can you like explain all that to me? >> Sure. Um, so first-degree murder, uh, because it was planned out, you guys talked about it, blah, blah, blah, all the whole nine yards and you were a to some degree a direct participant in what happened to >> Okay. Um, I know you didn't pull the trigger, but you were an active participant. Okay. I've talked to everybody else. They told me their story. It pretty much matches up with what you told me minus a few things which I'd like to just talk with you about. Um, you know, you guys were talking about taking money, laughing about it, splitting it three ways, you know, so, >> but I never agreed on it. >> I know. Uh, but you guys talked about it. It was, you know, it is what it is at this point. Okay. Um, you know, I am grateful to you that for what it's worth that you did come forward, you did the right thing. Um, that may help you in the long run and how stuff's now. Nothing's going to change what happens today, but you know, you're going to get an attorney and I'm sure your attorney will try to figure some stuff out. Okay. Um, you made some very poor decisions for what? a boy. >> Oh, Nick. You mean there's really no justification? You know, there isn't. Um, so I want to talk to you, K, about um the dad that got in your car. Okay. Did you pick someone up at Philtos? >> Not by that area. >> Okay. Not at but in that area. >> Okay. Are you sure? Now's the time to be honest because once you leave here, we determine your eye cuz I'm starting to have my doubts. >> Yeah. Um, so I do you want me to explain to you? So felt is right here like on the corner of the street at the light and then you go a bit down and before you know like that bridge on central >> before you get on that bridge it's like houses right there on the corner to this side. >> Okay. >> So like right where those was like on that side but like more down the street. >> Okay. Did you cross the bridge? >> No. >> No. Okay. So where did you pick him up at? So, like I said, Fibtos is right here and then you go a little bit more down and there's like a road and then there's houses right there and I didn't pass none of those houses, but I parked them right there like on the corner. >> Okay. >> And I just waited there and he was just there. >> Okay. So, you didn't go to you didn't park to any of those houses? Nope. >> Okay. All right. Who was that? >> Who was >> Who was the guy? Um, Daniel's uncle. That's what they told me. >> That's what they told you. >> Okay. And can you remember what he looked like? >> You could tell he's like Mexican. Um, I think he had like a mustache. Um, he looks like older, like probably 40s, 50s. >> He has like a bit of gray hair. Uh, probably like small eyes. Um, he's more darker. That's how I found out like he wasn't one of those guys. And his hair isn't long. It's like it's like like I said, he had his own on. >> Okay. And did you when you went to the view, >> who else was there? >> Was Mana there? >> Not your halfsister. sister. >> Not your steps sister, half sister, whatever she is to you. >> What do you mean? >> So, was there another girl there? >> Not that I >> Daniel's girlfriend. Yeah, but she wasn't there. All I remember is that they were I think they were with her. I think she's the one that took them. >> Took them where? to like over here with me whenever like they open the doors. >> Okay. And how do you think it was her? >> Because they were talking about some girl and Daniel's girlfriend. They didn't say anything. >> Okay. She did you see a girl that's there? >> Not in those moments, but before like I picked up Widow or anything, she was there. And what do you remember what kind of car they were driving? >> A Camaro. >> A Camaro. >> Is it what color? >> It's either black or red. >> Like black or red? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Do you know where she was? >> No. >> Did you talk to her? Have you talked to her before? >> Uh like one time, but she was calling me on Facebook and I didn't answer and then she just texted me if I was okay. >> Okay. Did you answer her? >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, you saw her. So when you guys met up, but not when did you see her when they were doing their like Daniel and Dominic were, you know, messing with Leto? Okay. All right. All right. Is there anything else you think I should know that might help you that you didn't tell me about this? Okay. Uh, okay. I mean, you're you're an adult. I mean, you're 18, so I don't I mean, we're not going to notify your parents, but would you like me to? >> Yes. >> My mom. >> Your mom? >> Okay. We will definitely let her know. >> Didn't think I could I tell my girlfriend before me? >> He wouldn't know anything. >> So, you we can't you don't make any calls here. You can call him from jail and get up there. I don't know what's going on. I have it on my phone. >> It's the phone that you brought with you today. The >> phone I came to. >> Yeah. Okay. Yeah. I don't know. I'm sorry. I don't I don't know about that. I mean, does Rah know about your boyfriend? >> Yeah. >> Does she know his number? >> No. >> Do you know how long I'll be in there? >> So, like initially or how like what do you mean? think how long I'm going to be in there for? >> That's a tough question. Um, I can tell you what I do know is in 3 to 5 days, uh, there'll be a hearing and you'll go before a judge and the judge is going to decide if you're going to stay in jail or if you're going to get out. So, if the judge decides that you don't get out, then you will be in jail until this case is over. If he lets you out, then you'll go to pre-trial and you'll have some, you know, you'll have an opportunity to get out. So, it'll just depend um as far as what you're facing. I mean, you're facing life in prison. So, that just depends on court and how it goes. Um, yeah, I write my report, do not write exactly what you said. I write what everyone said and then it'll be up to your attorney. They'll be appointed an attorney and that'll be up to you [music] guys and then we'll go down. So I mean in the immediate it'll be it'll be for a few days probably over the weekend and they'll decide if you get killed in or not. Okay. Um [snorts] you know you did everything that I asked so that we'll be told but it'll be got to the judge. [snorts] >> Okay. Any other questions? Crap. So, I'll let you finish eating if you even feel like it and we'll we'll go from there. Okay. >> I know. I just You're so young. All you guys are. And to do something like this was just insane. I mean, >> if for some whatever reason you you find yourself able to not go prison forever, um I hope you learn from this that the only thing that you told me was the reason you did is cuz they wouldn't talk to you. Like a guy's attention worth this. So hopefully you make better decisions cuz you're 18 and your life has your decisions matter because brother lost his life because he helped honest honest with you and truthful with you and it's unfortunate. It's a tragedy all the way around. You guys are so young and you guys are facing some of the most serious crimes that you can be charged with. Your first degree is the highest you could be charged with. So >> William chargement. >> Yeah. What gets worked out and what you eventually if you get char if you get convicted, you know, that's all the these are just charges, right? So, so you're being charged and then what you're convicted of or whatever, if you're convicted at all, can be different than what you're charged now. So, I mean, the charges can be different at the end. So, it's just this is just the first set and then there's lots of steps in between. [snorts] >> So, my mom doesn't know anything about >> I mean, I think maybe the detectives called her about the car. Um, [clears throat] do you really think I can do anything to get my boyfriend's number? Like my phone? >> Like you can't even tell me. >> Give me your phone through the lab. >> And I cannot call him on Instagram. >> Well, you have the jail maybe. I don't know. I I'm not sure how their tablets work up there, but focus on other things cuz you know, we have a lot more important things to worry. When is there anything I could do in general? I don't know. Like I have a lot of anxiety, so I don't know. I'm not fit to do it in there. So, I mean, they have, you know, they have medicals. I mean, they have doctors and nurses. So, I mean, I'm sure you can make a request. I mean, it's not fun. >> I'm not a fun place, but [snorts] I mean, I gave you as much time as I could. You know, I didn't, like I told you, I didn't arrest you that night. Good. That's it. So, Anything else for me? Oh, good luck. I I you know, we'll [snorts] you'll be seeing me again and then just you get more in court and stuff, but hopefully uh hopefully things will work out for you. Okay. So, I just want to introduce myself. My name is Detective Carol. I'm with the sheriff's office. I'll be the one to come in, chat with you here in a little bit, okay? Um, we have a lot going on clearly. Um, so if you need anything, just knock on the door, okay? Someone will come >> and then can I make a call? >> So, that will happen when you get booked into jail. It doesn't happen here. >> And then, um, what I have a warrant for. >> Uh, we'll explain that, okay? Cuz there's some things I have to advise you before we talk, okay? All right. I know you have a lot of questions. I have all the answers. So, I will be back in just a little bit. Okay. I'll try to sign up now for you. So, here's the thing, okay? Um, and I really need you to think about this, >> okay? Yeah, I don't think you're a bad kid, okay? I got nothing against you. I don't know you. I've never met you before in my life, >> okay? But right now is your chance to be honest about what happened. Okay? I know you didn't do that because I've looked at your phone records. Yeah. >> Okay. I have your GPS, so I know you're not telling the truth. >> Okay? So nothing that we talk about today is going to change the outcome today. Okay? Being straight up. Okay? However, what you talk about and if you decide to tell me the truth about what happened, that directly is going to affect how your future is. Okay? >> You are 18 now. >> You have serious consequences for when you break a break the law in your law. >> Mhm. >> Okay. You're an adult now. That means going to NBC in prison. >> Okay. So, I don't think you're a bad kid. Okay. So, I know that didn't happen. Uh because I I know a lot about what happened. >> Yep. >> Okay. I do. I'm not dumb. >> So, I need you to tell me what you did that night. Okay. Your involvement with Dominic, Mariana Gomez, and yourself and Dominic. because you know what I'm talking about. You're not dumb. I can look in your eyes. You're not dumb. Okay? I'm not dumb. >> So, I need to know what you did. >> What was your involvement in that? >> Because let me tell you, right now, you're facing a first-degree murder. That's life in prison. >> You go you go away forever. >> Okay? You're 18. Forever is a long time. >> Okay? There's like that is a long time. Okay? So that's what you're charged with because I haven't talked >> that's what my warrant for >> first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy, and tampering. Yes. >> Cool. >> So we're going to talk about that. >> Okay. >> Is first-degree murder. >> First-degree murder. >> Kidnapping. >> Conspiracy. >> What is that? >> Basically, you worked with other people >> to do stuff. Tampering with evidence. >> That's basically you got rid of some stuff. You damaged stuff. You deleted stuff. That type of stuff. And then uh the kidnapping and robbery. Those are the two others. >> Okay. >> And the robbery for what? >> Uh so there was a phone taken. There was talks of money being taken, stuff like that. So um that's what I know. >> Okay. I know you were out there. I I know you were with them. Okay. So >> you have to ask yourself right now. Okay. Because each one of you now >> all three. Uh-huh. >> So, what happens is the person that talks and h and says stuff that I can corroborate, it's better for them because if nobody talks, well, then I go off of what I have and I have an incredible amount of evidence against you guys. Hence why we're here. >> Hence why you're sitting in the chair. And what sentence for you? >> Well, like if you're convicted of everything, I mean like >> like if you're convicted of everything, your life and death. >> Well, not say no. >> Like like say like like how to say like not all >> Well, I mean each So murder in the first degree carries a life in prison. >> Kidnapping um is a very serious charge. I mean that can be 18 to 30 years. Uh robbery is you know I mean that's another you know 12 to 18. Um conspiracy and tamp uh tampering I mean those can be anywhere from like 18 months up to a few years. >> Mhm. >> So I mean you basically are being arrested for some very serious very serious things. Yeah. Okay. So, I need to know where did you meet Dominic to meet up with Mariana? >> Cuz guess what? I'll tell you. >> McDonald's. >> Okay. And where's McDonald's? >> I don't know where I don't know that ro. >> So, you're there. What do you guys talk about? >> We're just talking. I don't talk widgets. I'm too talking. I was just in the back. >> Okay. >> So, if that's the case, then you really need to be honest. >> Yeah. >> Because if you were >> I wouldn't get involved knowing that. I was just in the back. >> So, tell me what you got involved with. >> Uh >> because look, you have to understand the reason I ask questions is to make sure people tell me the truth. Okay. The fact that you're a city fair and I have Dominic in the other room and Lana in the other. >> Oh, she said. So why why were they meeting up? >> You have to be honest. >> The only way you're going to get out of this at some point is if you're honest. >> So evil unable >> and do what? >> What does unalivity do? >> Okay. And you were cool with that. >> You're there, man. Yeah. I mean, you were in the bag, but did you tell anyone >> like you shouldn't do that? >> So, why was Dominic wanting to un alive? >> I don't know. >> You do know, >> I guess. >> Revenge for me, but >> Okay. >> Did you ask for it? >> That's good. >> You're sitting in the parking lot. It's dark out. You're t You're having Mariana text. Not like when I say you, you three. Mariana's testing Guto. Okay. What is the plan? >> Just for him to go meet up with him. >> For her to go meet up. >> Okay. And why were you having Madiana do that? >> Just you do. >> I remember. >> She's pretty girl. >> Yeah. Just saying. But when I used to talk, oh, he's a text. He used to like or he like you. Mhm. Let's see. >> Okay. Because she's pretty, right? Is that fair to say? >> I mean, maybe gone to you. Okay. But she's not ugly. I mean, you know, you and I have both seen some ugly women in our ear, I'm sure. So, she's not one of those like ones that make you want to run away, right? So, okay. So, you're there. So, what was the plan and where were you guys planning on meeting? >> Oh, that's okay. And then what happened? >> That's why I'm coming up like stop middle class people but no you go home. >> Yeah. >> And so obviously like I know you feel some type of loyalty to him because you guys are homies. You guys have been friends, right? But um that had to be scary, right? I mean what was being talked about, right? I mean >> I don't think you've killed anyone in the past. So >> I'm married to Edison Mc. Okay. Yes. >> Well, your dad got it again. >> Mhm. Okay. Then why not? >> Then takes it again. Does that takes again? She takes it and I guess then she get back fighting and then just talking. That's >> okay. Who who shot? >> Okay. And what did you guys talk about? What? Like after that happened? >> We just talking about our graduation. >> After you just saw someone get murdered. >> Oh, I Oh, you know what happened? >> Yeah. >> Daniel, like you're literally out there where he got murdered, bro. >> Yeah, I know. >> Okay. But you just when you hear a gunshot and then I'm I'm sure you saw him. >> No, >> you never saw. >> How would you not see him, Daniel? I'm not looking. >> You can. >> Well, you could believe me. You can't believe me. >> Well, no. I'm just don't know where you're at. >> Cuz like when I hear a gunshot, right, the natural reaction is to look where the gunshot came from. That's just a normal physiological response. Like when you hear a gunshot, like you look. >> Yeah. >> So, you didn't see like you're thinking, you know, you hear a gunshot, you're a cop, you Oh, no. >> Yeah. Sure. >> Mean. So, you didn't look at all? No. >> Okay. Who got back in the truck? >> All of us. >> Okay. Who? >> Okay. And who else? >> Who else was in the truck? >> Gomez. Okay. Was wet. >> What did you guys talk to in that truck right after? >> Okay. What' your dad say? >> Yes. >> I want to know about your conversation. What' you guys talk about? I mean, you obviously you maybe you didn't see it, but you clearly know what happened. >> Just quiet, >> but what' you talk about? Like, you didn't talk about what happened at all. >> Oh, that would happen. >> I mean, I can imagine you'd be terrified. >> Both [music] Daniel Madano and Dominic Marquez were charged with firstdegree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, conspiracy, and tampering of evidence. Dominic plead guilty and [music] was sentenced to 22 years behind bars. Daniel has not gone to trial yet. On October 7th, 2025, a jury found Mariana Gomez Selenus not guilty of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. [music] However, the jury found her guilty of kidnapping as well as tampering with evidence and conspiracy. She was sentenced to 19 and 12 years in prison. Mariana's attorney said the unidentified older man [music] is the true shooter and remains at large.