Police

U.S. Attorney’s Office And FBI Announce Second-Degree Murder Charges In Taos County Stabbing Case

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Penasco man has been charged by federal prosecutors with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing in Taos County in 2022, with the case being prosecuted under a Department of Justice initiative focused on Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP).

Byron Sanchez, 47, an enrolled member of the Picuris Pueblo, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

The indictment alleges that on or about Dec. 25, 2022, Sanchez killed John Doe with malice aforethought by stabbing Doe with a sharp Read More

DA Carmack-Altwies Addresses Case Of Murder Suspect Zachary Babitz Arrested In Connection With Killing Of 83-Year-Old Man In Santa Fe

Murder suspect Zachary Babitz

By District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies
1st Judicial District

On Saturday evening, Las Cruces police officers arrested homicide suspect Zachary Babitz in connection with August 6th’s senseless killing of 83-year-old Gordon Wilson. He is charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery and felon in possession of a firearm.

Babitz, 38, has an extensive criminal history spanning four different states, and was released from prison in March.

The FJDA (1st Judicial District) would like to thank the Las Cruces Police Department for their diligent work apprehending Read More

FBI: Albuquerque Woman Admits Guilt In Multi-Year Cyberstalking And Identity Theft Scheme

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — An Albuquerque woman pleaded guilty in federal court to a series of crimes involving cyberstalking, computer intrusion and false reporting to law enforcement that spanned several years.

According to court documents, from March 2016 to December 2019, Kalani S. Uehara, 26, engaged in a campaign of harassment and intimidation against multiple victims.

Uehara assumed the identities of various individuals to send numerous threatening and harassing electronic communications to individuals, schools and law firms. Uehara threatened to kill, harm, or extort her victims, Read More

Self Help, Inc. And Los Alamos Police Department Partner To Aid Community Members In Need

Self Help Inc. News:

Self Help, Inc., one of the most critical safety net providers in northern New Mexico, recently renewed its collaborative agreement with the Los Alamos County Police Department (LAPD) to bolster the “LAPD Emergency Basic Needs Program”.

The LAPD Emergency Basic Needs Program originated from the Los Alamos County Health Council in 2015. The council recommended that the police have access to a designated fund to assist community members during off-hour emergencies. Generous community members raised $10,000 to establish this program, which Self Help has managed since Read More

Deadline Approaching To Register For FBI-Albuquerque’s Diversity Agent Recruiting Event

FBI News:

The FBI is committed to building a diverse workforce and inclusive workspace that integrates equity across the entire organization. “Our greatest asset is our people, and they are imperative to ensuring the FBI can build trust and serve all communities. Although we have made progress, there is still significant work to be done.”

As such, the FBI Albuquerque Field Office will host an invitation-only Diversity Agent Recruitment (DAR) event on Thursday Aug. 22, 2024, for working professionals who are interested in becoming an FBI special agent. Individuals wishing to participate Read More

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Statement On New Emergency Alert Code For Missing And Endangered Persons

U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:

SANTA FE – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, and member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adoption of a new alert option to deliver critical messages to the public over television and radio about missing and endangered persons:

“Under the leadership of Chairwoman Rosenworcel, the FCC is taking an important step to address the scourge of violence against Native communities. Read More

Los Alamos Police Department Reminds Drivers To Prioritize Safety As New School Year Begins

LAPD News:

As the new school year begins, the Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD)  reminds the community that it is crucial for everyone to prioritize safety on the roads.

Whether you’re driving, walking, or cycling, here are some essential tips to remember as the 2024-2025 Los Alamos school year begins:

  1. Driving Safely Around Schools:
    • Slow Down: Be extra cautious when kids are present – especially before and after school and within the school zones. 
    • Drop-Off Procedures: Familiarize yourself with specific drop-off procedures at schools.
    • Avoid Double Parking: It blocks visibility for
Read More

LAPD’s Victim Assistant On Signs Of Abusive Relationship

From Los Alamos Police Department’s Victim Assistant:

Relationships can be complicated to navigate at times, whether you’ve been dating someone for a couple of months or married for years. Everyone comes into a relationship with their own uniqueness, quicks, and baggage. Relationships can be hard work at understanding the other person’s life experiences, and perspectives; communication and understanding is key to building a healthy relationship.

However, it’s not always smooth sailing, you should never feel that you’re unsure or feel like you are walking on eggshells all the time.

Many Read More

FBI: U.S. Attorney Secures 19 Year Sentence For Man Committing Attempted Murder Of Border Patrol Agent During Routine Immigration Stop In New Mexico

FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — An El Paso man was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for attempting to murder a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a routine immigration stop in New Mexico.

According to court documents, Jan. 5, 2023, Roberto Esquivel, 25, was pulled over by a Border Patrol agent on a rural section of New Mexico Highway 146 for a routine immigration inspection. When the agent approached the vehicle, he observed individuals inside whom he suspected of being undocumented immigrants. The agent asked Esquivel to exit the vehicle. Instead, Esquivel produced a firearm and shot the agent, Read More

NMSP Investigates OIS Involving Laguna Police Department

NMSP News:

LAGUNA — The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting July 30, 2024, involving the Laguna Police Department (LPD).

Investigations Bureau agents learned that at around 11:45 a.m., LPD officers received a call for a welfare check on N.M. 6 near mile marker 2 of a female on the side of the road.

EMS personnel were also dispatched to that area for a call of a female who seemed to be in distress. EMS personnel arrived on scene first and observed a crying female, identified as Georgia Martinez Rubio, 43.

As the EMS ambulance Read More