Jerico Martin Baca

Jerico Martin Baca, 23, was born on October 12, 2002, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and called Belen home. The youngest of six children and the only boy among five sisters, Jerico grew up surrounded by a big family-a position that probably helped shape the charm, humor, confidence, and personality that everyone who knew him came to love. Jerico was truly one of those people you didn't just meet and forget. He could walk into a room full of strangers and somehow make it feel like he had known everyone for years. A room didn't know an awkward silence when Jerico was in it. He was funny, outgoing, a smooth talker, and an undeniable charmer. Whether you had known him his entire life or had just met him, it usually didn't take long before you found yourself laughing with him. If you knew Jerico was going to be somewhere, you knew it was going to be a good time. He was also completely and unmistakably himself. Jerico could be stubborn and hard-headed, and once he decided he was going to do something, changing his mind was rarely an easy task. But underneath that stubbornness was someone who cared deeply about the people in his life. He could always be counted on to lighten the mood and make people laugh, but he could also be a listening ear when someone needed him. Jerico was naturally athletic and seemed to be good at just about anything he decided to do. Over the years, he played soccer, football, baseball, and wrestled. He also loved being outdoors, especially fishing, camping, and hiking. But Jerico wasn't afraid of hard work either, especially when someone he loved needed his help. Whether it meant heading outdoors for something he enjoyed or hauling hay with his dad, Jerico was willing to show up. In fact, only days before he was supposed to return home, Jerico told his dad, "Dad, I'll be there in eight days. Just leave the hay in the field and I'll help you." It was a simple promise between a son and his father, but it captured something important about Jerico: he was looking forward to coming home, being with his family, and being there to lend a hand. Music was another constant in Jerico's life. His taste covered just about every genre, and there rarely seemed to be a time when he wasn't listening to something. Whether he was washing dishes, hanging out with family and friends, or simply going about his day, there was probably music playing somewhere nearby. And Jerico definitely had his style. You could usually expect to find him wearing the latest Columbia gear, a gold chain, a pair of Oakleys, and, of course, a fresh pair of shoes. That sense of style started early, thanks to his mom, Melissa, who always made sure he had the newest clothes and gear growing up. As Jerico got older, he carried that with him and made it his own. He took pride in how he looked, and it fit perfectly with the confidence and personality he carried everywhere he went. One of the greatest and most important parts of Jerico's life was his wife, Isabela Baca. Their life together took them far from home, but wherever Jerico's path led, Bela was there beside him. Jerico proposed to Bela at the top of the Sandia Mountains, and they later married at a park in Los Lunas, surrounded by both of their families. When the Army took Jerico to Fort Polk, Louisiana, Bela went with him, and when his service later took him across the world to Camp Humphreys, South Korea, she followed him there too. Through every move, every change, and every challenge, they built their life together. Bela was by Jerico's side every day, including his very last. She was his wife, his companion, and the person who shared the life he was building and the future he was looking forward to. Jerico graduated from Belen High School in May 2021 and joined the United States Army in 2022. He served as a Combat Engineer, with assignments at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Camp Humphreys, South Korea. At the time of his passing, Jerico and Bela were only days away from beginning another chapter together with a move to Colorado. Jerico was looking forward to eventually completing his military service and returning home, where he could once again be closer to the family he loved. Family was always an important part of Jerico's life. He cared deeply for his five sisters, and being an uncle was something that mattered to him, too. He loved his nieces and nephews and always wanted to stay connected with them. He would even jokingly give them a hard time when he found out they were messaging someone else on their iPads and hadn't messaged him. That was Jerico-he wanted to be included, he wanted to hear from the people he loved, and he wanted them to know he was there. He shared an especially close bond with Sydni and Avri, who were beside him through so much of his life. Sydni was his protective big sister, always looking out for him, helping care for and guide him as he grew up, and someone he loved and trusted deeply throughout his life. Avri was his kindred spirit, sharing his taste in music, style, humor, and so many of the little things that made them alike. Through everything, the three of them shared a bond built through years of growing up together, leaning on one another, and being there when it mattered most. Jerico was also deeply loved by his aunts, cousins, extended family, and friends, all of whom shared countless memories and laughter with him throughout his life. The impact he had reached far beyond his immediate family, leaving an impression on so many who had the privilege of knowing him. At the center of the family Jerico leaves behind is his beloved wife and constant companion, Isabela Baca. He is also survived by his mother, Melissa Autry; his father, Jose Martin Baca; and his five sisters and their families: Juliana and Mike Sheyka, and their daughter Londyn Sheyka; Joie and Tyler Blackwell, and their daughters Rae and Rhenn Blackwell; Rhiannon and Robert Romero, and their sons Landon and Jeter Romero; Sydni and Kyler Walton, and their children Kasen, Saige, and Haydn Walton; and Avri Baca. Jerico also leaves behind the family he gained through Bela: his brothers-in-law, Anthony Roybal Jr., and his son Zayn Bailey-Roybal, and Jose Roybal; as well as Bela's parents, Susan and Anthony Roybal. He is also survived by his grandparents, Tonya and Mike Lucero, along with his many extended family members and friends whose lives were made brighter simply by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lourdes and Ruperto Baca. Jerico's life ended suddenly at only 23 years old, far earlier than anyone who loved him could have imagined. He still had plans to make, places to go, music to listen to, fish to catch, family to come home to, and countless moments everyone expected to share with him. His absence leaves a space that cannot simply be filled. But a life isn't measured only by its length. In his 23 years, Jerico left an impression on an extraordinary number of people. He gave his family and friends laughter, stories, memories, frustration, love, and more than a few moments where everyone probably just shook their heads and said, "That's Jerico." Those are the things that remain. Jerico will be remembered as a loving husband, son, brother, and uncle; a soldier; a friend; an athlete; an outdoorsman; and the unforgettable little brother surrounded by five sisters. More than any title, though, he will be remembered simply as Jerico-the guy who could walk into a quiet room and make it come alive, who could make almost anyone laugh, who was always willing to lend a hand, who loved his family fiercely, and who was completely and unapologetically himself. There will never be another Jerico.

Jerico Martin Baca

October 12, 2002 - August 9, 2026