A young woman’s life was tragically cut short in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and now one of the people responsible has been sentenced to prison. Cruz Medina, who was just 16 at the time, learned his fate on Friday. He was sentenced to 24 years behind bars after pleading guilty to first-degree murder for his role in the shooting that killed 18-year-old Jada Gonzales.
The heartbreaking incident happened on December 17, 2022. Medina and a group of teenagers were at a party when they were asked to leave after posing with guns. Instead of simply moving on, things took a deadly turn. Shots were fired into the house, and one of those bullets struck Jada, ending her life. She had just turned 18 and had big dreams for her future. Jada was planning to attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, her mother, Kateri Sanchez, shared online.
During the sentencing, Judge Courtney Weaks didn’t hold back her feelings about what happened. She addressed Medina, saying, “In your immaturity, anger, and total disregard for life, you decided to shoot at that house. You knew what happened that night because it was all over the news, but you didn’t turn yourself in. Instead, you kept terrorizing the community and shooting at other homes. You have shown no understanding of the value of other people’s lives.”
Medina did apologize in court. “That night, I knew what was going to happen, and I really didn’t want it to happen,” he said. “I really tried not to do anything. If I could take it all back, I would.”
This tragic story doesn’t end with Medina. Four others were arrested for their involvement in the shooting. One of them, another teenager, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges including murder, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. They were sentenced to 29 years in prison.
Jada’s family is still reeling from the loss of their beloved daughter. On a GoFundMe page, her mother described her as a bright, promising student who was in her senior year at Albuquerque Academy. “Instead of planning a graduation celebration, we’re making funeral arrangements for my daughter,” she wrote. “Jada touched so many lives and hearts. This is the greatest pain I’ve ever known.”
The tragedy of Jada Gonzales serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how one reckless act can destroy countless lives. Her dreams, her future, and the love she brought to her family and friends were all stolen in an instant. Her story continues to weigh heavily on the community, who mourn the loss of a young woman taken far too soon.
