Tony Torrez, a 32-year-old man from New Mexico, has confessed to killing Lilly Garcia, 4, during a road rage incident. Mr. Torrez was turned in by an anonymous caller who recognized his vehicle.
Tony Torrez has been arrested and charged with the brutal killing of little Lilly Garcia. Tuesday, a community in Albuquerque, New Mexico was shocked over the brutal murder of a child, who was sitting in her father’s car during a violent road rage incident.
According to the authorities, who have been working night and day on the case, the father was driving home in a red pickup on I-40 after picking up his 7-year-old son and Lilly from school. At some point, the dad and Torrez cut each other off and the pair exchanged few words.
Minutes after the argument, Torrez, who was driving a Toyota pulled up to the pickup and started shooting. It is believed that at least one bullet hit Lilly in the head. The distraught father rapidly pulled over and tried to save his daughter’s life as other people frantically called 911.
According to Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden, two nurses, who were nearby, cared for the child as they waited for the ambulance. Lilly was rushed to the hospital, where she died.
Authorities held press conferences, pleading with the public for tips and offered $25,000 for information. It was revealed that the killer was driving a “newer-model maroon or dark red Toyota Corolla or Camry with a spoiler on the trunk and dark tinted windows. The car also had a University of New Mexico license plate.”
On Thursday, a telephone call led to the arrest of Tony Torrez, who confessed to the crime. He was later charged with an open count of murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, assault with the intent to commit a violent felony, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, child abuse, child abuse resulting in death and tampering with evidence. Torrez is being held on a $650,000 cash-only bond.
An emotional and tired Eden said:
“This evening, Torrez confessed to investigators he was responsible for the murder. For me, this is a terrible day. A terrible day. Albuquerque officers have not stopped or slept. Every officer in law enforcement in New Mexico was currently looking for the vehicle I described.”
