Police arrest suspect in Amber Alert double murder and kidnapping

CLOVIS, NM – Thanks to the work of multiple law enforcement agencies, 10-month-old Eleia Maria Torres is safe. The man accused of kidnapping her and murdering her mother is behind bars.

Alek Isaiah Collins, 26, was taken into custody early Monday morning. Authorities received a tip that Collins was staying at a home in Abilene, Texas, where they found him and Eleia. Eleia was taken to hospital for a check-up.

They don’t believe he knew the victims, but are still following leads to find a possible motive.

“We’re not done yet, we want to make sure this case is rock solid,” said Raul Bujanda, FBI special agent in charge. “We want to make sure this suspect pays for all the heartache we are all feeling today.”

Eleia’s mother, Samantha Cisneros, and another woman, Taryn Allen, were both found shot to death Friday at Ned Houk Park just outside Clovis. They were both from Texico – about 15 minutes east of Clovis.

On Sunday, police shared a timeline of the incident. They said Cisneros and Allen had something to eat at a restaurant in town before going to the Dollar Tree. A witness told police he heard gunshots in the park around 4:30 p.m. Friday. That’s when officers found Cisneros and Allen near a minivan.

Police also found Cisneros’ five-year-old daughter with a serious gunshot wound to the head. She was flown to a hospital in Lubbock.

Officers then learned that a baby had been with Cisneros. An Amber Alert was issued for Eleia, who was found safe Monday morning.

“It was one of those things that after Eleia recovers, you breathe a big sigh of relief because they’re happy she’s back,” Bujanda said. “But at the same moment you feel the pain of the souls we lost. And if that doesn’t get you here, then I don’t know what will.”

Collins is being held on charges of aggravated robbery and assault on a peace officer. Additional charges are pending.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this case is asked to come forward.

The Clovis Police Department’s tip411 program allows information to be provided anonymously. Anonymous tips can also be given to Curry County Crime Stoppers at 575-763-7000