A Farmington teen who was being held at the Youth Development Diagnostic Center in Albuquerque has been charged with aggravated battery on a peace officer, according to the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office.
Justice Sanchez, 18, is accused of participating in the assault along with Adrian Brown, 18, of Albuquerque, and Ezekiel Ulibarri, 18, of Albuquerque, the district attorney’s office said in a news release.
“The officer was seriously injured,” the release said.
All three defendants were housed at the juvenile facility for crimes they are accused of committing as minors. They were transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center after turning 18.
“Eighteen-year-olds are legally adults and should not be housed in the same facility as much younger teens,” District Attorney Sam Bregman said. “This creates a dangerous environment and poses a serious threat not only to correctional officers, but also to younger detainees.”
Sanchez was being held in connection with a juvenile case in San Juan County. The San Juan County District Attorney’s Office said it could not comment because the alleged offenses occurred when he was a minor.
Brown is being held on an open count of murder in the April 30 shooting death of Christopher Sturleson in the 4600 block of Carlisle Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, according to a pretrial detention motion filed June 12.
Ulibarri is being held on an open count of murder in the Sept. 16, 2025, shooting death of Angelo Tafoya at the Ridge Apartments in the 500 block of Tramway Boulevard in Albuquerque, according to a Second Judicial District Court grand jury indictment filed Sept. 29.
Prosecutors said they will seek pretrial detention to keep the defendants in an adult facility as their cases proceed.