Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
CLOVIS — The man accused of killing two Texico women on May 3 at Ned Houk Park now is also facing federal charges for kidnapping an infant and taking her across state lines.
A federal grand jury on May 29 indicted Alek Collins, 26, on charges of kidnapping a minor and using a gun during a crime of violence.
Court records show Collins waived reading of the indictment against him and entered a plea of not guilty.
Officials also allege Collins shot and killed Harley Cisneros and Taryn Allen, both 23, for reasons unknown. Police say Collins may have followed the women to the park after a chance encounter in Clovis, but authorities don’t think Collins had any connection to the women before that afternoon.
Collins is also accused of shooting Sofia Cisneros, 5, and kidnapping Eleia Maria Torres, 10 months, and taking her to Abilene, Tex., where he was arrested and she was recovered unharmed. Cisneros was mother to both children.
Collins faces murder charges in Clovis as well as charges in Texas related to stealing a car and assaulting a police officer.
He is due in U.S. District Court again in Albuquerque on June 18.