Clovis, NM – In a joint press conference held on Sunday, the FBI and the Clovis Police Department unveiled additional information regarding the abduction of 10-month-old Eleia Maria Torres, which occurred following a tragic incident where two women were fatally shot and a child was severely injured.
The incident unfolded at Ned Houk Park, located a mere five miles north of Clovis, on Friday at approximately 4:26 p.m. Authorities identified the deceased as Samantha “Harley” Cisneros and Taryn Allen, both 23, hailing from Texico. They were discovered with gunshot wounds near a silver minivan, with a 5-year-old girl sustaining a gunshot wound to her head. The perpetrator, according to the police, fled the scene with baby Eleia, who is the biological child of Cisneros.
Providing an update on the condition of the 5-year-old victim, Deputy Chief Trevor Thron affirmed that she is currently receiving medical attention and is on the path to recovery.
The sequence of events began with the group’s stop at Twin Cronnie’s to grab some food, followed by a visit to Dollar Tree in the 3900 block of North Prince Street. A witness, who happened to be in the park, reported hearing what he believed were gunshots but did not promptly alert law enforcement.
Approximately a minute before the discovery of the victims by two male individuals at 4:25 p.m., two unidentified males entered the park. Although a solitary piece of debris from a maroon Honda was discovered near the scene, its direct link to the incident remains unconfirmed.
Despite an extensive search effort conducted by the New Mexico State Police, including the utilization of a dive team, no additional evidence was recovered from the park or its environs. Both fathers of the children involved have been cooperating with the ongoing investigation, stated Thron, emphasizing the pursuit of various leads and angles by law enforcement.
FBI Special Agent Raul Bujanda affirmed the commitment of federal authorities to the case until the perpetrators are brought to justice, urging the public to come forward with any information. Bujanda emphasized that no detail is insignificant in aiding the investigation.
Individuals possessing information pertinent to the case are encouraged to contact authorities at 575-763-9472, with Bujanda stressing that their efforts remain ongoing.
The press conference concluded without a question-and-answer session, as per authorities’ decision.
The New Mexico State Police described Eleia as 28 inches tall, weighing 23 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. Those with information on her whereabouts are urged to contact law enforcement promptly.
