An 18-year-old woman, Reina Aragon, was fatally stabbed in a tragic incident that has left her family and community in a state of grief. The incident occurred on Friday night at the Sandia Village Apartments and is believed to be the result of a complicated love triangle involving her ex-boyfriend and his current girlfriend.
Reina’s father, Vincent Aragon, is struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of his daughter. He shared his heartbreak, stating that he had been preparing for his daughter’s graduation, not her funeral. The news of his daughter’s death was delivered to him by two detectives at his doorstep, a moment that he painfully recalls.
The Albuquerque police reported that Reina had gone to collect her personal items from her ex-boyfriend, Jason Clifford’s residence. Vincent had previously warned his daughter about Clifford, expressing his concerns about his erratic behavior. He had advised her to sever ties with him, as he had always perceived Clifford as a potential threat.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Reina ran into Clifford and his current girlfriend, Ashlynn Battle, after her work shift. Following a brief altercation, the couple left but later returned to the apartment complex. Battle alleges that Reina tried to vandalize their car, which led to a physical confrontation that ended with Battle allegedly stabbing Reina.
The post-mortem examination revealed that Reina had sustained four stab wounds, one of which had fatally pierced her heart. Vincent Aragon is adamant about sharing his daughter’s story, particularly in response to online comments that appear to justify Battle’s actions. He firmly believes that his daughter’s death was not a result of self-defense.
Reina was a senior at Moriarty High School and had aspirations of joining the Air Force. She had been an active participant in the ROTC throughout her academic career. Her father remembers her as a vibrant individual who had a positive impact on everyone she met.
Ashlynn Battle is currently facing an open count of murder. However, it is still uncertain whether Jason Clifford will be charged in connection with the incident. As the community awaits further updates, Vincent Aragon is determined to keep his daughter’s memory alive and honor the influence she had on those around her.