Attorney General Hector Balderas

From the Office of the Attorney General:

ALBUQUERQUE— New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas issued the following statement today upon the completion of the review of the actions of law enforcement that led to the July 6 death of Brett Rosenau.

“The unfortunate death of 15-year-old Brett Rosenau was avoidable, and it appears that less-lethal tactics to detain the suspect earlier would have mitigated fatal risks,” Attorney General Balderas said. “I am requesting APD Chief Harold Medina and Bernalillo County Sheriff-elect John Allen work together to evaluate safe and effective non-lethal force options during felony apprehensions in order to enhance safety in our community.”

On July 6, 2022, Qiaunt Kelley, a fugitive wanted by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), was barricaded inside a home with Rosenau for several hours as tactical officers attempted to convince him to surrender. To end the standoff, APD used a tactical device and according to reports, the house caught fire an hour later, resulting in Rosenau’s death.