Autopsy: Woman stabbed to death

Decapitated victim’s death shows similarities with past case

A woman who was found decapitated in an arroyo near the Four Hills neighborhood last December had been stabbed to death, according to a recently released autopsy report.

Audra Willis, 39, had been stabbed nine times, primarily in her chest, back and abdomen, and had an “apparent sharp force injury to the neck,” according to the report released by the Office of the Medical Investigator. Her head was found nearby.

The details are similar to that of a man who was found naked, decapitated and mutilated behind a Northeast Albuquerque Walmart the previous year. Clifford Miller, 42, had been

stabbed seven times, mainly in the chest. Police have not said whether they found his head.

No one has been arrested in either case, and police have not named any suspects or motives.

Asked whether detectives are investigating whether the same person is responsible for both slayings, Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said, “Investigators are looking at all possibilities, including any connection with the homicide behind Walmart.”

He said he could not provide any further information.

Both Willis and Miller were homeless, although Willis’ mother told the Journal she frequently stayed with family either in Albuquerque or in To’hajiilee. Miller’s relatives and friends said he was from Oklahoma and had come to New Mexico looking for work.

An APD homicide sergeant said at one point that detectives believe there might be one person or a group of people killing homeless people after three other men were found stabbed to death and in similar positions to one another within a four-month period last year.

However, a suspect has been arrested in one of those deaths, and it is unclear whether detectives still believe the killings could be related.