FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE NEWS RELEASE
Editor’s note: See https://losalamosreporter.com/2026/09/13/rio-arriba-county-jury-hears-opening-arguments-in-trial-of-leonel-andrade-garcia-accused-of-killing-ex-girlfriend-and-setting-fire-to-her-home/
On Thursday, a Rio Arriba County jury has found Leonel Andrade Garcia guilty of First-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Arson, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Stalking, and Aggravated Battery in connection with the August 26, 2024, murder of Analilia Morales Castillo and the attack on her brother, Jesús Morales.
The verdict follows a seven-day trial before First Judicial District Court Judge Anastasia Martin in Tierra Amarilla. The State presented 200 exhibits and testimony from more than 20 witnesses, including Analilia’s brother Jesús Morales, her sister Gabriela Morales, investigators, first responders, medical professionals, and expert witnesses. The evidence included surveillance video from the property and the chair to which Analilia had been bound.
The State proved that Garcia killed Analilia by stabbing her 18 times, causing fatal injuries of stab wounds to her lungs and aorta, tied Analilia to a chair and intentionally set fire to her home. A Santa Fe County firefighter entered the burning residence and found Analilia deceased bound to the chair. Evidence of video surveillance from Analilia’s home showed Garcia monitoring the property the day before and the day of the incident. The State also presented Garcia’s writings that investigators recovered from his vehicle that demonstrated his intent and rage over Analilia’s efforts to separate herself from him. Written on a copy of documents from Analilia’s protection order, Garcia stated that Analilia had caused what happened because “she wanted to flee from me,” that he wanted to “teach her a lesson,” and “If she was newly born a thousand times over, I would kill her a thousand times.”
The jury also convicted Garcia of Aggravated Battery for his attack on Jesús Morales. Jesús went to his sister’s home on August 26, 2024, because his family feared Analilia was in danger. Medical testimony established that Jesús’ injuries were life-threatening and that he would not have survived without medical intervention.
The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office recognizes the exceptional prosecution of Deputy District Attorney Arwen Gaddis, Senior Trial Attorney Elizabeth Counce of Los Alamos County, and Assistant District Attorney David Jenkins, and the prosecution support team, particularly, Tyler Archuleta, Ashley Mendez, and Victim Advocate Loryn Trujillo, as well as the many staff members whose work supported the prosecution throughout the case.
FJDA extends its appreciation to New Mexico State Police case agent Victor Rodriguez, the responding law enforcement officers, firefighters and fire investigators whose work began at the scene on August 26, 2024. The Office also recognizes Gail Starr of UNM Hospital for providing expert testimony concerning domestic violence.
The FJDA sincerely thanks the members of the jury for their time, careful consideration of the evidence, and service to the community.
For over more than years, Analilia’s family has endured an unimaginable loss while continuing to participate in the justice process. Their strength, courage, and commitment to honoring Analilia’s life remained present throughout this prosecution. We hope today’s verdict provides some measure of justice for Analilia, Jesús, and the entire Morales family.
Sentencing hearing scheduled for December 21, 2026.