A New Mexico mother has been sentenced to two decades behind bars after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for her role in a fatal shooting that involved her two teenage children.
Raeanna Ruiz, 35, received a 20-year prison sentence on Thursday after admitting guilt to charges of second-degree murder, conspiracy, and aggravated battery. The charges stem from an incident in October 2023 that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Santiago Roybal.
According to Albuquerque police, Ruiz drove her 15-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter to an apartment complex where Roybal was later shot and killed. Surveillance footage showed Ruiz behind the wheel of a white SUV pulling into the parking lot moments before the teens allegedly chased down and fatally shot the young man.
Court documents reveal that Ruiz’s children, identified as Dylana Barela and Christopher Barela, were caught on camera pursuing Roybal. Dylana was seen carrying a firearm while Christopher held a baseball bat. The victim attempted to seek refuge inside an apartment unit, but was ultimately shot through the door.
One of the gunshots struck and killed Roybal. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His friend, who lived at the complex and tried to help him escape, was also injured during the shooting.
Police reported that a female voice, believed to be Dylana’s, shouted “Shoot through the door” as shots rang out. After the incident, both teens were seen fleeing the area on foot.
During questioning, Dylana claimed she believed Roybal had been stalking her for months, often watching her through her bedroom window. On October 18, 2023, she said she saw someone in the family’s backyard, prompting her to alert her mother and arm herself with a gun. Her brother grabbed a bat, and the three of them set off in pursuit of the alleged stalker.
Surveillance footage from the complex, along with distinct details of the SUV, including unique rims, a dealership logo, and a UNM plate, helped police identify the vehicle as belonging to Ruiz. She later tried to hide the car by parking it at a friend’s house and covering it with a tarp.
Ruiz also reportedly discussed the situation online with a friend prior to the incident, referring to the man as someone who was “stealing” and seeking advice about legal counsel after the shooting.
According to court filings, Dylana claimed the plan was never to kill Roybal, but only to “beat him” or “pistol whip him.” However, the confrontation escalated fatally after her mother allegedly instructed her to open fire.
Both teens are currently being held at the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center and face open murder charges. The tragic case has drawn wide attention and raises concerns over parental influence and teen involvement in vigilante-style justice.
