A Cry for Justice in Las Cruces

The justice system feels broken, and it has left me feeling vulnerable, angry, and deeply concerned. This isn’t just about me anymore—it’s about the safety of our entire community.

Last year, a close friend of mine was hit by a drunk driver for the second time. The driver, William Urick, should have been held accountable. Instead, the District Attorney, Gerald Byers, dismissed the case without notifying any of us. I only discovered what had happened after searching the criminal database myself.

Learning that more than 1,700 cases had been dismissed was chilling. It meant victims like my friend were left without justice and without even the courtesy of being informed.

Now I find myself facing another nightmare.
My 2013 white Kia Rio—a car that meant a great deal to me because it once belonged to my late mother—was stolen. This wasn’t random. It was a targeted theft carried out by kids who learned how to steal cars from TikTok videos. They knew exactly what they were doing.
The violation is hard to describe. It leaves you feeling exposed, angry, and unsafe in a place where you once felt secure.

The police recovered my car three days later, but the damage was heartbreaking. I want to be clear: this is not the fault of the police officers who are working hard to do their jobs. They responded quickly and did what they could.

The real problem lies in a system that fails to hold repeat offenders accountable.

Just days after my car was stolen, the same group of kids attempted to steal another vehicle. This time, they were caught in the act by a police officer. Yet we were never told whether they were arrested or faced any consequences. Why?

Las Cruces has always been a place where people felt safe. But now many of us feel vulnerable again. I left California in part because of the crime and fear I experienced there, and it is heartbreaking to feel those same fears returning here.

These kids know they can get away with grand theft auto. They know the consequences are minimal, if they exist at all. When there is no accountability, the cycle simply continues—and more innocent people become victims.
This has to change.

We need laws and policies that protect our community. We need a justice system that supports victims and holds criminals accountable. We need to send a clear message that stealing cars and terrorizing neighborhoods will not be tolerated.
This is no longer just about my car.

It’s about protecting our neighbors, our families, and our community.

Everyone—from young children to seniors—deserves to feel safe in their own homes.

It’s time to stand up, demand accountability, and restore the safety our community deserves.