In a tragic culmination of a Thanksgiving shooting, Manuel Rios-Alderete has been convicted of first-degree murder in the 2022 death of 26-year-old Adan Ponce-Galdeano. The verdict was handed down on Tuesday during Rios-Alderete’s trial, where he faced charges related to the fatal shooting that shocked the Santa Fe community.
The incident, which took place during the holiday season, left the victim dead and sparked a legal battle that has now concluded with a guilty verdict. Rios-Alderete, who stood alongside his defense attorney Arturo Nieto as the decision was read, was found guilty of murder and additional charges stemming from the tragic event.
The case had garnered significant attention due to the nature of the crime and its occurrence during a time meant for family and togetherness. With the conviction, the Santa Fe community has seen a sense of closure, though the devastating loss of Ponce-Galdeano continues to weigh heavily on those who knew him.
Rios-Alderete will now face sentencing for his actions, bringing a grim end to a case that has left its mark on the city. The legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the tragic consequences of violence and the lasting impact on families and communities.
