APD: Dozens of homicide suspects arrested this year

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Albuquerque Police Department says they have charged or arrested 47 homicide suspects since the beginning of the year.

Police said of those suspects, 23 faced charges related to murders committed this year, and another 24 suspects were charged or arrested for murders committed in previous years.

“I want 100 homicides solved, and I want well over 100 arrests – that’s our goal,” APD Chief of Police Harold Medina said.

Medina said APD is off to a good start this year, especially compared to arrests made in the past few years.

“One of the big criticisms that APD has faced over the years, is for years our homicide clearance rate has hovered somewhere near around 50% to 60% from year to year, and as of last Friday, our clearance was 97%,” he said.

“This is one of the rare times where we are arresting more people than new cases are coming our way,” said Kyle Hartsock, APD deputy commander.

Both APD and the City of Albuquerque are proud of the work the homicide department has been able to accomplish so far this year.

“It’s sending the right signal to victims that we are going to fight for justice and to the criminals, we are going to catch you,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said.