• Home
  • About
    • Authors
  • Advertise
  • Articles
    • Archives
    • Chaplain
    • Crime & Controversy
    • Community
    • Cop Humor
    • Editorial
    • Op-ed
    • Gear & Technology
    • Investigations
    • Laws & Legal
    • Leadership
    • News
    • Officer Down
    • On Duty
    • Tactics
  • Network
    • Learn more
  • Training
  • Officer Privacy
  • Jobs
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Law Officer
Law Officer
No Result
View All Result

Teenage girl arrested for murder after Snapchat ransom scheme turned fatal

Anna Bella Dukes

Anna Bella Dukes is facing charges that include murder, kidnapping, robbery, and conspiracy. (Albuquerque Police Department)

January 26, 2022
Law OfficerbyLaw Officer
Share and speak up for justice, law & order...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A teenage girl in New Mexico was taken into custody and is facing a murder charge after a Snapchat-fueled hostage scheme ended with the would-be ransom payer shot and killed, according to police.

Anna Bella Dukes, 18, was arrested Monday for her role in the February 2021 murder of former correctional officer Elias Otero, 24, Albuquerque police announced on Twitter.

Anna Bella Dukes has been arrested for the February 2021 murder of Elias Otero pic.twitter.com/qtfyJGY8oF

— Albuquerque Police Department (@ABQPOLICE) January 24, 2022

Dukes is accused of using Snapchat to communicate with Otero’s brother, Nicholas, before luring him to a personal meeting at Alvarado Park. As he arrived at the location, three armed men — including her boyfriend — were waiting, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

The group of thieves robbed Nicholas of cash and jewelry before bringing him to his brother’s home. Upon arrival at Elias’ residence, they demanded cash in exchange for the safe return of Nicholas, KOB 4 reported.

Elias exited his home and confronted the crew. When he threatened to shoot the hostage-takers, the clash turned deadly. A suspect described as Dukes’ boyfriend, Adrian Avila, 17, opened fire and killed Elias, according to law enforcement authorities, the New York Post reported.

Selfie of Elias Otero.Elias Otero was shot and killed when the confrontation escalated. (Elias Otero/Facebook)

Consequently, Dukes is facing several charges, which includes murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, conspiracy, and evidence tampering.

Anna Bella Dukes, 18, was arrested Monday.Anna Bella Dukes, 18, was arrested Monday. (Albuquerque Police Department)

Avila is facing the same charges as Dukes. He surrendered to police in last month, KRQE reported.

Adrian Avila
Adrian Avila (Booking photo via KRQE)

There were no details provided regarding the additional two suspects or what charges they are facing. Furthermore, it was unclear where Elias Otero worked as a correctional officer.

A grieving mother, Alicia Otero, said she believes justice will be served for her son, according to KRQE.

“Every day we wish that we get justice and, you know, someone to pay for what they did to him and knowing they finally turned themselves in, it just feels good that it’s not gonna go unsolved,” she said.


Share and speak up for justice, law & order...
Tags: Adrian AvilaAlbuquerqueAlbuquerque Police DepartmentAnna Bella DukesElias OteroNicholas Otero
Law Officer

Law Officer

Law Officer is the only major law enforcement publication and website owned and operated by law enforcement—for law enforcement and supporters of justice, law, and order. This unique facet makes Law Officer much more than just a publishing company, but a true advocate for the law enforcement profession.

Related Posts

New Mexico gun owners

New Mexico gun owners protest governor’s executive order to suspend open carry laws

September 12, 2023
Jeremy Guthrie

Bodycam footage shows accused child rapist stopped for DUI with 6 children in his truck

June 29, 2023
Indiana woman

Albuquerque police fatally shot man wielding a spear

May 21, 2023
March Madness

March Madness isn’t Just for Basketball

March 19, 2023
Diane Albert

Judge, pets killed by husband in murder-suicide, New Mexico authorities say

November 28, 2022
Indiana woman

Husband arrested after allegedly dismembering and disemboweling wife before Thanksgiving dinner

November 27, 2022
Load More

Latest Articles

I’m Not Broken, I’m Dangerous

July 4, 2025

The Problem with Promotions

June 20, 2025
Melissa Hortman

Former Minnesota House Speaker Assassinated in Attack on Multiple Lawmakers

June 14, 2025

Sheriff: If You Throw a Brick At Our Deputy, ‘We Will Kill You, Graveyard Dead’

June 13, 2025

Former USAID Officer and Executives Plead Guilty in $550 Million Bribery Scheme

June 13, 2025

A Case Study in Federal Corruption and Media Silence

June 12, 2025
Load More

Weekly E-Newsletter

Subscribe—and get the latest news and editorials direct from Law Officer each week!

[newsletter_form type="minimal"]

Protect Your Privacy

JOIN THE FIGHT

BE COURAGEOUS

POPULAR GEAR

Tactical Pants

Tactical Boots

 

FIND MORE…

Law Officer

© 2024 LawOfficer.com

LawOfficer.com

  • Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Corrections
  • Contact

Speak up for justice, law & order

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
    • Authors
  • Advertise
  • Articles
    • Archives
    • Chaplain
    • Crime & Controversy
    • Community
    • Cop Humor
    • Editorial
    • Op-ed
    • Gear & Technology
    • Investigations
    • Laws & Legal
    • Leadership
    • News
    • Officer Down
    • On Duty
    • Tactics
  • Network
    • Learn more
  • Training
  • Officer Privacy
  • Jobs
  • Contact

© 2024 LawOfficer.com