In May 2024, the body of 16-year-old Jesus Quintana Kota was found in a remote New Mexico desert, leading to a complex investigation involving three teenage suspects. The case revealed a premeditated attack linked to prior incidents, culminating in charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and robbery. Two suspects received prison sentences, while one awaits trial, highlighting the tragic consequences of juvenile violence.
On May 19th, 2024, deputies were dispatched to Parito Mesa, a remote desert area in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, west of Albuquerque. A caller reported finding a man who was unresponsive and appeared to have been there for some time. The victim was later identified as 16-year-old Jesus Quintana Kota. This discovery marked the beginning of a complex and disturbing investigation into a juvenile homicide.
Parito Mesa is an isolated location accessible only by dirt roads, with little to no pedestrian traffic or surveillance cameras. These conditions posed significant challenges for investigators, who had to rely heavily on forensic evidence and digital communications to piece together the events.
At the scene, the victim was found with at least one gunshot wound, and the case was immediately treated as a homicide. However, the victim's identity was initially unknown, delaying public notification and complicating the investigation.
The breakthrough came when Jesus's family reported him missing. Authorities confirmed his identity after careful verification, prioritizing investigative integrity and proper family notification. The case was publicly announced 11 days after the discovery, on May 30th, 2024.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office homicide unit, in coordination with the Second Judicial District Attorney's Office, identified three suspects, all under 19 years old at the time of the crime:
Although Madano Garcia and Gomez Selenas were 18 at arrest, all three were juveniles when the crime occurred.
The suspects were charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors argued the crime was planned and coordinated, citing text messages as evidence of premeditation.
Judge Joseph Montano ordered all three to remain in custody pending trial, citing clear and convincing evidence that they posed a danger to the public.
On April 1st, 2024, Jesus allegedly fired shots at a vehicle belonging to Daniel Madano Garcia. This incident was reported to the Albuquerque Police and provided context for the later confrontation.
On May 18th, 2024, Mariana Gomez Selenas contacted Jesus under the pretense of a date. She drove him to a lookout near Dennis Chavez and Trisco Vista, where Daniel Madano Garcia and Dominic Marquez were waiting.
According to court documents, Madano and Marquez beat Jesus before forcing him into Gomez Selenas's vehicle. This act constituted kidnapping under New Mexico law.
The group then picked up an unidentified older Mexican male who allegedly pointed a rifle at Jesus and is believed to have pulled the trigger. The group drove to Parito Mesa, where a confrontation and gunfire occurred. Gomez Selenas reported hearing the fight and gunshots before the others returned to the vehicle without Jesus, leaving him behind.
The unidentified older man remained at large during court proceedings, complicating the assignment of responsibility.
In September 2025, Marquez entered a no-contest plea to first-degree murder, conspiracy, armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and related charges. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, the maximum within the sentencing range.
Gomez Selenas went to trial in October 2025. The jury acquitted her of first-degree murder, conspiracy, armed robbery, and aggravated assault but convicted her of kidnapping, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy to tamper with evidence. She was sentenced to 19.5 years in prison.
Her defense argued she was coerced and did not fire the weapon, a claim partially supported by the jury's verdict.
Madano Garcia remains charged with first-degree murder and related offenses. His trial had not concluded at the time of the latest reports.
Sheriff John Allen and District Attorney Sam Bregman publicly connected the case to rising juvenile violent crime in Albuquerque. The juvenile detention center was near capacity, highlighting systemic challenges.
The case underscores the tragic consequences of juvenile violence and the complexities of prosecuting crimes involving minors.
The homicide of Jesus Quintana Kota is a tragic story of violence, planning, and loss involving young individuals. Two teenagers have received lengthy prison sentences, one awaits trial, and an unidentified adult remains at large. The case serves as a somber reminder of the impact of violent crime on families and communities.
This case highlights the importance of early intervention, community support, and the challenges law enforcement faces in remote crime scenes. It also raises questions about juvenile justice and rehabilitation.
Be cautious and aware of the consequences of actions, especially for young people whose decisions can have lifelong impacts.
Stay safe and informed.
