Previously convicted felon charged in federal court for firearms possession

             ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Richard Kuykendall, 41, of Albuquerque, was charged in federal court on May 20 with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Kuykendall will remain detained pending trial.

            As alleged in a criminal complaint and other court records, on May 12 in an alley in northeast Albuquerque, Kuykendall was attempting to enter the back seat of a car through the rear passenger-side door when someone inside the vehicle shot at him. Kuykendall allegedly maneuvered around the car and entered the vehicle through the rear driver-side door, then got back out of the vehicle with an object in his hand and walked to a nearby dumpster where he lingered a few moments.

            Kuykendall allegedly returned to the vehicle and entered into the driver’s seat. He then allegedly drove the car to a hospital a few miles away. Kuykendall allegedly fled the scene, leaving three dead individuals inside the vehicle.

            Albuquerque police searched the dumpster to which Kuykendall allegedly had walked with an object in hand. Police located a handgun inside the dumpster, as well as two more firearms inside the vehicle Kuykendall allegedly drove to the hospital. As a previously convicted felon, Kuykendall cannot legally possess a firearm or ammunition.

            A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Kuykendall faces up to 10 years in prison.

            The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jaymie L. Roybal is prosecuting the case.