Witness Testimony Begins in Trial of Massage Parlor Murder Suspect

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Testimony began Tuesday in the trial of Juan Carlos Hernandez, who is accused of killing a massage parlor employee during a 2022 robbery.

According to a criminal complaint, Hernandez and Jose Rivera-Ramirez went to Wonderful Massage in January 2022 posing as customers. They then pulled out a gun and demanded money. The owner, Sihui Fang, tried to flee. Investigators say the teens dragged her back inside. Fang was able to grab a gun and fire in self-defense. Prosecutors say both men returned fire, wounding Rivera-Ramirez and killing Fang.

The first officer to arrive on the scene took the stand Tuesday morning and recounted his arrival and finding shooting victims at the scene. The trial is expected to last the rest of the week. Rivera-Ramirez was convicted by a jury in June for his part in the robbery and murder. He faces a possible life sentence.