Guilty Plea in Pilgrimage Killings

S A N T A   F E, N.M., July 26 -- The stepson of a police lieutenant pleadedguilty today to murdering two high school sweethearts on a GoodFriday pilgrimage.

Carlos Herrera, 20, of Espanola entered guilty pleas to twocounts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 17-year-olds RickyMartinez and Karen Castanon.

The teenagers were shot April 21 as they walked along a highwaynear Chimayo, where Easter pilgrims annually trek to an old adobechurch.

Ballistics tests confirmed that Herrera’s .22-caliber rifle wasthe murder weapon, and Herrera admitted in statements toinvestigators that he had killed the teenagers, District AttorneyHenry Valdez said.

He said Herrera, whose stepfather is an Espanola policelieutenant, repeatedly told police that he did not know the twoteenagers and did not know why he shot them.

‘A Horrible Mistake’Each murder count carries a life sentence, with 30 years inprison before Herrera would be eligible for parole. He could havefaced the death penalty if he had been tried and convicted.

Charges of kidnapping and tampering with evidence were droppedin the plea agreement. A judge will determine at sentencing whetherthe life sentences will run consecutively. A sentencing date hasnot been set.

“Carlos, he has to find God and find truth in his own self. Hedid a horrible mistake, and he has to pay for it,” said RaymondMartinez, Ricky Martinez’s father.

Ricky Martinez was shot on N.M. 76 about 4 miles east ofEspanola. Castanon’s body was discovered a few hours later in arugged area about 3 miles away. Espanola is about 25 miles north ofSanta Fe.

Police said Herrera’s truck had gotten stuck near whereCastanon’s body was found, and a friend helped him free it the dayof the murders. The friend also took Herrera’s rifle forsafekeeping at Herrera’s request, police said.