Student charged in rape of classmate
Alleged attack reportedly took place in computer lab at Rio Grande HS
A Rio Grande High School senior is in custody after deputies say he raped a 15-year-old classmate in a computer science lab after school.
David Salcido, 18, is charged with two counts of criminal sexual penetration and kidnapping, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. He was booked into the Bernalillo County jail.
Deputies responded to the South Valley high school on Monday after a sophomore said Salcido had raped her on school grounds.
The girl told deputies Salcido invited her to smoke marijuana after school Friday but told her they needed to go to the computer lab first so he could “finish an essay.”
Once the two got to the com-
puter lab, deputies say, Salcido made sexual advances before the girl told him to stop, slapping him.
She told deputies Salcido didn’t stop and instead he picked her up over his shoulder, carried her to a table and raped her while holding her down.
During questioning, Salcido didn’t deny the girl’s claims but told deputies he thought it was consensual despite her telling him “it wasn’t right” throughout the entire encounter.
A judge ruled Tuesday that Salcido should be released from jail on his own recognizance, but Albuquerque Public Schools spokeswoman Monica Armenta said he will not be allowed back on campus.
Pending a disciplinary hearing by APS, Armenta said, Salcido could be expelled for his alleged actions.
“We’re always concerned when the issue of student safety is involved,” Armenta said.
Salcido’s family couldn’t be reached for comment.
Rio Grande High School Principal Amanda DeBell sent a letter to parents Tuesday, calling the attack an “isolated incident.”
“I know this is unsettling news to receive,” DeBell wrote. “I believe, however, you have the right to be aware of what is happening.”
In the letter, DeBell said that school officials don’t believe there is an ongoing “safety threat” on campus but that the school will review safety protocols.
“It is impossible to supervise all students who remain on campus after the school day ends,” DeBell wrote. “Our school is part of a community, so we need everyone’s eyes and ears helping at all times to keep us safe.”
In the letter, DeBell encouraged parents to have a conversation with their children about “personal safety and consent.”
“The subject matter can be difficult and can trigger a vast range of emotions for students and families, or may not have any impact, and that is okay,” DeBell wrote.
The principal urged any students or parents who need help to contact a school counselor or call the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-NMCRISIS(662-7474).