Albuquerque Judge to Sentence Munah Green for Murder
A mother who instructed her son to kill faces 12 years in prison for her role in the 2025 shooting death of Richard Powell.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Violence
Munah Green is set to be sentenced in Albuquerque for her role in the shooting death of 32-year-old Richard Powell. She entered a no contest plea to charges of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal consequences for parents found guilty of orchestrating fatal violence committed by their children. Green faces a potential 12-year prison sentence following the tragic events on Indiana Avenue.
Munah Green faces a potential 12-year prison sentence for her involvement in the killing. She entered a no contest plea to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in September 2026.
The players
Munah Green
She is the defendant who instructed her son to commit murder and has pleaded no contest to the charges.
Rickey Rodgers
He is the 17-year-old son of Munah Green who performed the shooting that led to the death of Richard Powell.
Richard Powell
He was a 32-year-old man who was killed in a shooting at an apartment on Indiana Avenue.
The details
Authorities report that Green instructed her 17-year-old son, Rickey Rodgers, to kill Richard Powell. Rodgers subsequently shot Powell several times at an apartment on Indiana Avenue, where the victim died at the scene.
Timeline
April 24, 2025: Rickey Rodgers shot Richard Powell.
September 2026: Munah Green entered a no contest plea.
October 27, 2026: The sentencing hearing for Munah Green is scheduled for 9 a.m.
Legal Context
The proceedings follow New Mexico's second-degree murder sentencing guidelines. The court's upcoming sentencing follows established legal standards for murder convictions in the state.
The conclusion of this case brings resolution to a violent crime that occurred at a local apartment complex. Residents in the area are not subject to new security advisories, as the suspect is currently in custody.
The takeaway
This case serves as a sober reminder of the severe legal consequences for those who participate in fatal violence. Legal experts note that pleading no contest to murder charges carries significant long-term implications for the defendant.
Further reading
For more information on local criminal proceedings, visit the Violence section.
