Report reveals new details in murder

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - News 13 has learned new details about the murder of an Albuquerque school teacher who disappeared nearly five months ago.

Police announced Friday Ellen Roth, 61, was murdered.

The four suspects charged in the case appeared before a metropolitan court judge Saturday as well as the victim’s son, who police suspect was involved in some way.

Christopher Donovan, James Johnson, and Cathleen Roth, who is the daughter-in-law of the victim, did not say anything in court Saturday. Judge Daniel Ramczyk raised their bonds to $1 million cash only.

A fourth suspect, Bella Gonzales, who is charged with tampering with evidence and conspiracy to commit murder, was released from jail after posting bond Friday.

Judge Ramczyk increased her bond Saturday and Gonzales was sent back to jail.

“Ms. Gonzales, I'm going to have to take you into custody,” Judge Ramczyk said. “The allegations in this complaint are extremely serious, not only in terms of all the defendants, but specifically in terms of you.”

Gonzales’ bond was raised to $1 million cash or surety.

Donovan told investigators Cathleen Roth and James Johnson planned to kill Ellen because she told police her son, Bryan, had stolen from her and used her credit card, according to the criminal complaint.

Investigators said Donovan drove Cathleen Roth and Johnson over to Ellen’s home and the pair waited in the garage and then killed her.

The criminal complaint stated the group then hid the body in Gonzales’ apartment.

Investigators said both Cathleen Roth and Donovan kicked Ellen’s body as it was wrapped up in a blue tarp.

The suspects are then accused of taking Ellen’s body to a remote part of the Jemez Mountains and burying her in a pre-dug grave.

Ellen’s son, Bryan, appeared in court Saturday on charges of larceny and fraudulent use of a credit card.

“I’m going to set the bond at $75,000 cash or surety,” Judge Ramczyk said.

Bryan Roth was in jail when his mother was killed.

He has not been charged with murder, but police said they think he knew about it, at least after it happened.

Investigators said Ellen Roth may have been strangled. An autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.