Jury Convicted Virginia Nicasio of Murder
A jury found Nicasio guilty of first-degree murder for her role in a 2024 kidnapping and beating in Albuquerque.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Drug Crime
In 2024, Virginia Nicasio was convicted of first-degree murder in Albuquerque for orchestrating the kidnapping, torture, and beating of Antonio Taylor. Her accomplice, Preston Ball, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the attack.
Why it matters
The conviction concludes a violent case stemming from a drug operation where Nicasio sought retribution against Taylor. She believed the victim had stolen items from her, leading to the fatal encounter.
Virginia Nicasio faces a minimum prison sentence of 30 years within the New Mexico Corrections Department. The legal process follows Preston Ball's prior guilty plea for his involvement in the incident.
The players
Virginia Nicasio
She was the individual convicted of first-degree murder for directing the fatal attack on Antonio Taylor.
Preston Ball
He was an accomplice who pleaded guilty for his role in the kidnapping and beating orchestrated by Nicasio.
Antonio Taylor
He was the victim of the kidnapping, torture, and fatal beating carried out in 2024.
New Mexico Corrections Department
This is the state agency responsible for the incarceration and management of convicted individuals in New Mexico.
The details
Nicasio directed Preston Ball to kidnap, torture, and beat Antonio Taylor in 2024 as part of a targeted drug operation. The jury verdict finalized the legal determination of her responsibility for the victim's death.
Timeline
The crimes, including the kidnapping, torture, and beating of Antonio Taylor, occurred in 2024.
Legal Context
This case reflects the severe application of New Mexico's first-degree murder statutes regarding organized criminal violence. The sentencing outcomes are aligned with the 2024 sentencing guidelines for first-degree murder in New Mexico.
This conviction brings closure to a violent incident that occurred within the local community. Residents can view this outcome as the conclusion of a significant criminal investigation led by local law enforcement.
The takeaway
This case serves as a somber reminder of the extreme consequences linked to drug-related disputes. It reinforces the legal reality that individuals who orchestrate violent crimes face severe, multi-decade imprisonment.
Further reading
For more information on similar legal proceedings, visit the Albuquerque drug-crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRQE 13.
