A New Mexico teenager has been arrested for the murder of an Uber driver in what appears to be a random act of violence. The 18-year-old suspect allegedly called for a ride with the specific intention of killing the driver to relieve stress.
Joseph Andrus, 30, was shot and killed on Thursday, August 7, while working as an Uber driver. The victim had recently achieved a major life goal, graduating from college just weeks before his death in July. His family said completing his education had been his dream for years.
The suspect, Sheliky Sanchez, told police during questioning that he needed to “let off some steam” when explaining his motive for the killing, echoing the disturbing mindset seen in other cases of perpetrators who meticulously plan family violence. According to court documents and police statements, Sanchez admitted to the crime and described his process of selecting a victim.
Sanchez deliberately chose his victim after planning the attack
Authorities say Sanchez ordered his girlfriend to call an Uber for him before going through different available drivers. He ultimately selected Andrus for the ride, telling police he chose him because Andrus “seemed like a good guy.” Sanchez allegedly added that he doesn’t “really go for good people.”
During the ride, Sanchez reportedly had what he described as an enjoyable conversation with Andrus. He told investigators that he thought the driver was a “really cool guy.” Despite this positive interaction, Sanchez carried out his plan to kill Andrus.
The suspect then ordered Andrus to get out of the vehicle and shot him multiple times, according to his confession to police. After the shooting, Sanchez fled the scene in the victim’s car. Police later found the stolen vehicle parked outside his girlfriend’s house, leading to his arrest.
Andrus leaves behind a grieving family who remembers him for his kindness and determination. His mother shared on Facebook that graduating from college had been “his goal for years.” She described him as someone who showed courage and reliability as an older brother and son.
His sister had a particularly close bond with Andrus, according to family members. “He’s the only person his little sister wanted to call before surgeries. He helped her be calm and brave,” his mother wrote. “She smiled first for him. Her first word was Joey. He’s her hero.”
Andrus’s partner, Oli Rogers, asked people to honor his memory through acts of kindness. The family is encouraging others to “do one nice thing for a stranger every day” to continue his legacy of helping others.
Sanchez has been charged with murder, armed robbery, and tampering with evidence, charges similar to those faced by other violent crime suspects with troubling backgrounds. He appeared in court on Saturday, August 9, though it was not immediately clear if he entered any pleas. Prosecutors have filed a motion to keep him in jail while he awaits trial, with a judge set to hear that motion in the coming days.
Published: Aug 13, 2025 02:48 pm