An 18-year-old in New Mexico has been charged with murder after allegedly killing an Uber driver to “let off some steam,” according to court documents. Sheliky Sanchez is accused of shooting Joseph Andrus multiple times in an execution-style killing early Friday morning in Albuquerque.
Police say Sanchez asked his girlfriend to order an Uber on Thursday night, claiming he had a car to pick up. Sanchez allegedly selected Andrus as his driver and engaged in a long conversation, later telling police that Andrus “was actually really cool.” However, upon arrival at the drop-off location, Sanchez ordered Andrus out of the car and shot him, leaving him dead at the scene.
In a statement to detectives, Sanchez admitted to the killing, saying it was partly to relieve stress. He described watching Andrus die as a “satisfaction” and “relief,” comparing it to taking a breath. Sanchez also stole Andrus’s car, which was later found at his girlfriend’s house.
When police first questioned him, Sanchez denied taking an Uber and claimed he had bought the car for cash. After being confronted with evidence, he confessed, stating he “couldn’t take it out on certain people, so he wanted to take it out on anybody he could find.” He told police he chose Andrus because “he just seemed like a good guy. I don’t really go for good people.”
Sanchez has been charged with murder, armed robbery, and tampering with evidence. He appeared in court on Saturday, where prosecutors sought to keep him in jail pending trial. Uber expressed shock and heartbreak over the incident, stating they are cooperating with authorities.
