🌱 Overnight Lane Closures + Elderly Charged For Murder + Land Swap

Hi all. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Albuquerque Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Very windy in the p.m.; sunny. High: 75 Low: 38.

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Here are the top three stories today in Albuquerque:

1. A man in his 80s was arrested on second-degree murder charges for shooting and killing his nephew, Albuquerque authorities said. Witnesses reported Melquaides Garcia, 83, and his nephew, Stephen Garcia, were arguing at their home in the block of 2900 Carlisle Boulevard NE Saturday. Stephen was shot with a revolver and died. APD reported Melquaides decided to shoot Stephen when they were drinking alcohol because his nephew allegedly took a generator that belonged to him. Afterward, Melquaides was taken to the Metro Detention Center. (KRQE News 13)
2. The City of Albuquerque has agreed to trade lands with the state of New Mexico in hopes to solve land use issues. In exchange for two properties, the city is giving away a lot on Menual near the Big-I to the state. According to Mayor Tim Keller, the properties will allow the means to make the Rail Trail possible. On the other hand, State Senate Majority Whip Michael Padilla says the property swap is for roughly equal-valued land and the state plans to use the Menual land for a centralized public safety hub. Because the swap is a joint resolution, it only has to pass the state Senate and House. (KOB 4)
3. The Department of Transportation is warning drivers of overnight traffic lane closures Sunday through Thursday between University and San Mateo for a resurfacing project. Expect delays on a stretch of eastbound Interstate 40 and plan accordingly, the agency says. (Albuquerque Journal)

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Today in Albuquerque:

• It's A Scavenger Hunt! Albuquerque, Virtual (12:00 PM)
• Photo Tour: Framing Architecture At Apple ABQ Uptown (2:30 PM)
• Public Car Auction At 4400 Broadway Blvd. S.E. (9:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• State-wide film students stopped by Albuquerque to compete for thousands of dollars in the annual Film Prize Junior New Mexico festival Saturday. This year, they had a record number of film entries, with more than 93 short films created by middle and high school students! (KRQE News 13)
• The Map of Enchantment scavenger hunt is back after a pandemic hiatus. The scavenger hunt, put together by the city with teens in mind, began back in 2019 but was stopped when the pandemic rolled around. A total of 7 locations were scattered across the downtown area on Saturday, all highlighting local art. (KRQE News 13)
• Santa Fe Public Schools is looking for local businesses and individuals to participate in their second annual SFPS Golf Tournament on Apr. 15. The tournament, which will start at 10 a.m., is vital to helping support several engagement events. Those interested can contact Ruth Perez at 505-467-2045. (Santa Fe Public Schools via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll see you soon.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.