West Mesa Bone Collector

The West Mesa Bone Collector case refers to the discovery of 11 women’s remains buried in a remote area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2009. The victims disappeared between 2001 and 2005, and most were involved in sex work or struggling with substance abuse, making them vulnerable. The case remains unsolved, with no confirmed suspect. Police have investigated multiple individuals, including Lorenzo Montoya, a local man who was Killed in 2006 after attempting to strangle a sex worker. The killer may have targeted women involved in high-risk lifestyles, leading to theories about a possible serial predator in Albuquerque.

Victims of the West Mesa Murders

Virginia Cloven – 24 years old. Last seen in 2004. Virginia aspired to move to Texas before she disappeared.

Jamie Barela – 15 years old. Last seen in 2004. Jamie, one of the youngest victims was last seen with her cousin, Evelyn Salazar, heading to a park.

Evelyn Salazar – Went missing with her cousin, Jamie Barela. Last seen in 2004

Syllannia Edwards also just 15 years old. Last seen in 2004. was a runaway from Oklahoma and the only known African American victim.

Monica Candelaria – 22 years old. Last seen in 2003. Monica was known to have had ties criminal activity.

Doreen Marquez – 27 years old. Last seen in 2003. Doreen was a mother who struggled with drug addiction before vanishing.

Veronica Romero – 28 years old. Last seen in 2004. Veronica was known to frequent Albuquerque’s troubled areas.

Cinnamon Elks – 32 years old. Last seen in 2004. Cinnamon was a known sex worker.

Julie Nieto – 24 years old. Last seen in 2004. Julia left behind a young son.

Victoria Chavez – 26 years old. Last seen in 2004. No further details for Victoria.

Michelle Valdez – 22 years old. Last seen in 2004. Michelle was four months pregnant at the time of her death.