The U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced charges accusing three Northern New Mexico residents in a string of robberies in the days prior to the shooting death of a Blake’s Lotaburger employee in Española in August 2022.

Ricky Eddie Martinez Jr., Adelene Urquijo and Ashley Thompson were charged with a variety of counts in incidents preceding the Aug. 16 death of Cypress Garcia at the fast-food restaurant.

In a news release that referenced a criminal complaint, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda said Martinez, 32, is suspected of robbing at least

seven businesses in Española, Taos and Santa Fe. In each robbery, he is suspected of entering the establishments, brandishing a pistol and demanding money.

During a robbery of a Walgreens in Española, the news release stated, he became agitated when a store employee had trouble opening a cash register and is accused of firing a shot in the direction of the employee.

In the Aug. 16 incident at the Lotaburger, Martinez is accused of displaying a gun and demanding money, according to the news release. Garcia was fatally shot, though no one has been charged with his death.

In the days after, Martinez had been listed by authorities as a suspect in the shooting.

According to the news release, Martinez is charged with three counts of interference with commerce by robbery; one count of interference with commerce by attempted robbery; two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of discharging a firearm and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said in the indictment Urquijo, 37, aided Martinez during the Aug. 16 incident. Urquijo and Thompson are accused of helping Martinez avoid capture after the Lotaburger robbery.

Martinez and Urquijo are in custody pending trial. Thompson recently was arrested and will be scheduled for a detention hearing, according to the release.

Martinez was convicted on a variety of counts in 2013, 2019 and 2021. Among them was shooting at or from a motor vehicle and aggravated assault upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon.

If convicted, Martinez faces up to life in prison. Urquijo faces up to 20 years in prison and Thompson faces up to 10 years in prison.