A teenager was sentenced to 24 years in prison for the murder of Jada Gonzalez

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A judge has sentenced a teenager to the maximum 24 years in prison for killing an Albuquerque Academy student’s girlfriend at a house party.

Cruz Medina was among five teenagers who shot up a house party in December 2022 after the homeowner asked them to leave because they were posing with guns.

The shooting claimed the life of Jada Gonzalez. At the time of her murder, Gonzalez had just received a full scholarship to college.

According to Judge Courtney Weeks, who handed down the sentence on Friday, Medina will have to serve 85% of the sentence.

“In your own immaturity, anger and complete disregard for respect for your own life and that of every other human being, you chose to shoot at that house. I know you knew what happened that night because it was all over the news. You didn’t give up, you continued to terrorize the community and shoot at other homes… and for what? You don’t understand the value of other people’s lives and you have shown that,” Judge Weeks said.

In September, Judge Weeks also sentenced 17-year-old Isaiah Espinoza in the case. Espinoza pleaded guilty to murder, conspiracy and tampering with evidence for pulling the trigger and killing Gonzalez. Judge Weeks sentenced Espinoza to 29 years in prison. He will also have to serve 85% of his sentence.

Prosecutors also charged Medina with armed robbery a month before the fatal shooting.

Although Medina received the maximum prison sentence for murder, he is able to earn “good time” so he can get out in 20 years. When he gets out, he will serve five years on probation.

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