A New Mexico teen who police say admitted to killing an Uber driver to “let off steam” has also allegedly admitted to being involved in three other killings, authorities said in court last week.
The suspect’s alleged confession came after he was arrested following the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Joseph Andrus on Aug. 7.
Sheliky Sanchez , 18, has been charged with murder in connection with Andrus’ death, the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office told PEOPLE.
During his interview with police, Sanchez allegedly said he needed to “let off steam” and decided to call an Uber so he could kill someone, according to the DA’s office.
He reportedly told police he chose Andrus because he “seemed like a good guy,” the Albuquerque Journal previously reported.
After the ride, during which the two apparently had a friendly conversation, Sanchez is accused of ordering the family man out of the car and shooting him several times, the DA’s office said.
Teen Allegedly Ordered Uber, Killed Driver to ‘Let Off Some Steam’
The DA’s office also told PEOPLE that during police interviews, Sanchez allegedly admitted to killing three other people. This was revealed in court last week during a pretrial detention hearing, when a judge ordered him to stay in jail.
Sanchez reportedly said he killed those three people when he was a juvenile. He has not been charged for these alleged killings, and police are still investigating.
Sanchez is also accused of putting a gun to his younger brother’s head and later threatening the 7-year-old not to tell anyone, according to authorities. He has now been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, child abuse, and witness intimidation related to the May incident, the DA’s office said.
Andrus, who would have turned 31 over the weekend, is being remembered for his perseverance and love for family. He graduated from college this year, a long-time goal, according to his mother.
His friend Oli Rogers told PEOPLE he celebrated Andrus’ birthday by “talk[ing] about [him] to anyone who would listen.” Rogers added, “I shared how loving he was, told silly stories of things we used to do.”
Teens accused of randomly killing Uber driver to remain in jail
Kathryn Thompson, a childhood friend of Andrus, told PEOPLE she celebrated his birthday by watching his favorite movie with her family and children and singing his favorite song in an impromptu karaoke celebration.
“He’s severely missed, and he’s a huge part of my heart and life,” Thompson said.
Sanchez has been charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and tampering with evidence in connection with Andrus’ death, according to authorities.
It is not clear if he has entered a plea. His attorney told the judge she believes the alleged confessions were an example of “grandstanding” and that he may be taking the blame for someone else’s crime, the Albuquerque Journal reported.
