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Alex Montoya Found Guilty of Murder in 2020 Death of Nina Baker

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. uilty-of-murder-in-2020-death-of-nina-baker.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, March 25th 2026 at 5:09 GMT by KIRO-TV
      Locale: UNITED STATES

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - After a protracted and complex legal battle, Alex Montoya was found guilty of first-degree murder today, Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, in the 2020 death of Nina Marie Baker. The verdict, delivered by a New Mexico jury, brings a degree of closure to a case that has haunted the Albuquerque community for over six years and been marked by significant legal challenges.

The guilty verdict follows a lengthy trial, punctuated by delays, strategic maneuvering by both the prosecution and defense, and a previous mistrial. Montoya faced multiple charges connected to Baker's death, but the jury ultimately determined that the evidence presented proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed first-degree murder - a charge carrying a potentially severe sentence.

Prosecutors, led by District Attorney Maria Sanchez, had painstakingly built a case arguing that Montoya not only committed the act but did so with premeditation and intent. The prosecution focused on presenting what they described as irrefutable evidence linking Montoya to the crime scene and demonstrating a clear motive. Specific details of the evidence presented remain sealed by the court to prevent potential disruption to any future appeals, but sources close to the prosecution indicated it involved forensic analysis, digital evidence, and witness testimony painting a grim picture of a carefully planned act.

Montoya's defense team, headed by prominent criminal defense attorney David Richter, countered these claims by arguing for a lesser charge, potentially manslaughter or second-degree murder. Richter consistently maintained that while Montoya may have been present at the time of Baker's death, the prosecution failed to prove intent or premeditation. He emphasized inconsistencies in witness statements and questioned the reliability of certain pieces of forensic evidence, arguing that reasonable doubt existed.

The initial trial, held in late 2024, ended in a hung jury after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This deadlock prompted a change of venue, moving the trial from Bernalillo County to Santa Fe County in an attempt to secure a more impartial jury. The change of venue request, granted by Judge Eleanor Vance, reflected concerns that extensive media coverage and community sentiment in Albuquerque had potentially biased local jurors.

Nina Marie Baker, a 32-year-old artist, was found deceased in her Albuquerque home in November 2020. Her death initially appeared to be a home invasion gone wrong, but investigators quickly shifted their focus to Montoya, a former acquaintance of Baker's. The police investigation revealed a complex relationship between the two, filled with periods of intense connection and bitter conflict. Friends of Baker described a pattern of controlling behavior exhibited by Montoya, while Montoya's associates portrayed Baker as manipulative and volatile.

The case has sparked a broader conversation within Albuquerque about domestic violence and the complexities of prosecuting cases involving intimate partner relationships. Local advocacy groups, such as the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence, have held vigils and raised awareness throughout the legal proceedings, highlighting the importance of providing support for victims and holding perpetrators accountable. The organization released a statement following the verdict, praising the jury's decision and calling for continued investment in resources for domestic violence prevention and intervention.

Montoya's sentencing is scheduled for May 17th. He faces a minimum of 25 years in prison and potentially a life sentence, depending on Judge Vance's discretion. Richter has indicated his intention to file an appeal, arguing that several legal errors occurred during the trial. The District Attorney's office anticipates a vigorous defense and is prepared to present its case to the appellate court. The legal process, while seemingly reaching a conclusion with the guilty verdict, is far from over. This case will likely set a precedent for similar cases in New Mexico regarding the standards of evidence required to prove premeditation in murder trials.