A judge's gavel - file photo — A judge's gavel - File Photo

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — A woman has been sentenced to life in prison for her role in the murder of a man at a motel. Angel Salazar, 40, received her sentence for felony murder, second-degree murder, and tampering with evidence connected to the killing of Ramon Martinez. Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman announced the sentencing on Thursday.

Salazar’s jury conviction occurred in August. On the morning of Tuesday, September 5, Martinez was sitting outside a room at the Days Inn on Central Avenue in Albuquerque. Salazar, along with an unidentified male, approached Martinez just before 10 a.m. and followed him inside the room.

Gory motel murder: woman sentenced to life for brutal hatchet killing — Photo: gory motel murder: woman sentenced to life for brutal hatchet killing

According to law enforcement, the unidentified suspect wore brass knuckles before entering the room. About 30 minutes later, the two suspects emerged with blood on their arms, indicating the victim was likely killed during that time frame.

Bregman stated, “Martinez was struck more than 80 times with a hatchet.” Security footage showed Salazar and the unidentified male entering the room and leaving with Martinez’s belongings, along with Salazar’s bloody footprints visible as she exited the scene.

At approximately 5 p.m. the same day, police discovered Martinez’s body inside the motel. A blood trail was observed leading from the room to the street about 100 feet away. The victim sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to his head and shoulder, with blood found on both beds in the room.

Salazar was located near another hotel less than a mile from the murder site. After her detention, she requested medical attention for fentanyl withdrawal and a cut to her finger. Authorities reported that she declined to make any statements during the investigation.

Under New Mexico law, individuals sentenced to life in prison are eligible for parole after 30 years.

Salazar’s gruesome crime marks a chilling chapter in Albuquerque’s history of violent incidents.

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