Albuquerque, NM – On August 16, 2021, at around 4:00 p.m., the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was alerted to a homicide that occurred at the Chevron Gas Station, 2124 San Mateo Boulevard in Albuquerque.
Agents learned that around 3:17 p.m. a New Mexico State Police K9 Unit officer on patrol was flagged down by an individual at the Chevron Gas Station. The officer saw a male victim on the ground suffering from obvious and severe head trauma near one of the gas pumps.
Officers secured the scene, called for an ambulance, and rendered aid until EMS arrived. EMS arrived and transported the victim, identified as Rodrick Thompson, 32, of Albuquerque to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Through investigation, witness statements and surveillance video, agents were able to identify the suspected shooter as Darrien Mells, 20, of Albuquerque, NM. Mells is seen on surveillance video arriving at the gas station in a gold Lexus with another male. Mells got out of the passenger side of the Lexus and approached Rodrick Thompson, who was parked at the gas pumps fueling his vehicle. The two are seen exchanging words, then Mells pulled a handgun from his waistband and shot Thompson twice. After shooting Thompson, Mells got back into the Lexus, and fled the area.
The investigation led agents to Mells’ current residence of 844 Chelwood Boulevard NE, apartment 10, where they located the gold Lexus in the parking lot. The New Mexico State Police Special Operations Bureau Tactical Team and helicopter, ABLE 7, assisted agents in the execution of a search warrant on the apartment.
As officers approached the apartment, three subjects fled the apartment complex on foot. At about 10:50 p.m. Tactical team members with the assistance of ABLE 7 and the NMSP Auto Theft Unit located the individuals and took them into custody. One of the individuals apprehended was Darrien Mells. The other two individuals are not believed to be involved in the homicide.
Mells was taken to the NMSP Albuquerque office where he subsequently confessed to shooting Thompson. Mells was booked into the Metro Detention Center on an open count of Murder in the First Degree.
“Here is another example of the senseless and inexcusable violence seen far too often these days in Albuquerque. Such mayhem is the reason we are focusing our efforts in the Albuquerque metro area. NMSP personnel diligently worked this homicide and quickly made an arrest in hopes that the citizens of Albuquerque feel a bit safer in their communities.” said Tim Johnson, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “Because of proactive patrol and policing, NMSP officers were on scene within minutes of this crime being committed. I’m thankful to bring the family of the victim some amount of closure. It’s a privilege to be the Chief of such a dedicated group of officers and investigators. Their unwavering commitment to the citizens is truly remarkable.”
This case is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.
Information from NM State Police