A New Mexico teenager told police that he shot and killed an Uber driver to “let some steam off,” saying he was dealing with “so much stress.”
Sheliky Sanchez, 18, appeared in court on Saturday, just days after being arrested on first-degree murder charges in connection with the shooting death of Uber driver Joseph Andrus. According to a criminal complaint reviewed by Law&Crime, Sanchez told police that he was stressed out and had his girlfriend order an Uber just so he could shoot someone.
The complaint stated that after midnight on August 7, Sanchez instructed his girlfriend to order an Uber because “his friend had a car for him to borrow and that he was going to get it.” He allegedly had additional, more violent plans.
According to police, they started by interviewing Sanchez’s girlfriend. According to the complaint, Sanchez allegedly instructed her to order the Uber from her account. She told police that not long after she saw Sanchez get into the Uber and be driven away, she received an automated call from Uber stating that the ride “had come to a stop” without the drop-off being completed.
She called Sanchez to see if everything was okay, and he said it was fine. He later returned to her home in a black Ford Escape, which was later confirmed to be Andrus’ registered vehicle. The couple then drove to McDonald’s in the alleged stolen vehicle and ordered a frappe. After that, they drove to a nearby park and removed the vehicle’s license plate.
When police interviewed Sanchez, he stated that he purchased the Ford Escape on Facebook Marketplace for $1,900 cash from someone named “Angel.” The purchase, according to what he allegedly told police, occurred on August 6.
When police asked Sanchez about the Uber ride he took on August 7, he replied, “Uber ride. Thursday morning. “Which Uber ride?” He then claimed that he fell asleep at his grandmother’s house around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. on August 6 and did not wake up until 8 a.m. the following morning.
When police informed Sanchez that the vehicle he was driving belonged to an Uber driver who had been shot and killed in the early hours of August 7, Sanchez responded, “What the f—?”
According to the complaint, police then asked Sanchez if he wanted to tell them what had actually happened. He cooperated, allegedly telling police that in the early morning of Aug. 7, “he wanted to let some steam off due to’so much stress and so much bulls—.'” However, he did not want to take it out on “certain people,” and instead allegedly targeted “anybody he could see or find.”
According to police, he asked his girlfriend to order an Uber. Sanchez allegedly told officers that he “cocked” his gun before getting into the car to ensure he fired the first shot in case the driver attempted to attack him first. After getting into the car and starting the ride, Sanchez allegedly told police that Andrus “was actually really cool,” adding, “He had a whole ass talk with me and everything.”
When Andrus arrived at the designated drop-off location, Sanchez allegedly instructed him to get out of the car. However, Sanchez claimed that Andrus “was taking way too long” to listen to him. As Andrus began to exit the car, Sanchez allegedly stated that he shot him “like five times,” leaving him on the ground after stealing his vehicle. Sanchez then allegedly told police that he got back out of the car and shot him again, staying there to watch him die before getting back in and driving away.
Andrus was pronounced dead at the scene after being discovered by police.
According to the complaint, Sanchez told police that he “felt bad for him a little bit,” but that getting that satisfaction out of the way was a relief. “Like taking in and out breaths.”
Police said they asked Sanchez if he ordered the Uber to steal the car or shoot the driver, and he said, “to shoot him.” Sanchez continued by saying that Andrus “seemed like a good guy,” but added, “I don’t really go for good people.” He also told police that he “wished he’d chosen a different driver who looked big and buff.”
Local NBC affiliate KOB obtained a statement from Uber’s head of safety communications, Andrew Hasbun, who said, “We are shocked and heartbroken for Joseph’s family and loved ones following this senseless attack. We have been in contact with the police and appreciate their efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
Andrus’ mother told KOB, “Joseph is so loved. He is a constant source of light in the world. We sincerely thank the Albuquerque Police Department and respectfully request that any questions be directed to them.”
Sanchez was accused of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and tampering with evidence. He is being held in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center without bail.
