Staff Report:
The Taos County Sheriff’s Office reports that it recovered the body of Chad Maestas, 19, of Los Alamos, on Sunday beneath the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
The report indicates that Maestas jumped from the bridge.
Taos County Sheriff Steve Miera said that Maestas made two passes, circled around, and when security tried to intercept him, he got out of his vehicle and jumped over the bridge railing.
The Taos County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this death. Read More
Courtesy/NMSC
COURT News:
SANTA FE — The state Supreme Court today reaffirmed the legal framework followed in New Mexico to determine whether a defendant’s convictions violate constitutional double jeopardy protections against multiple punishments for the same crime.
In a unanimous opinion deciding an appeal of a criminal case, New Mexico’s highest court declined “to take the drastic step of overruling decades of our own precedent” and explained that state prosecutors in the Colfax County case “might have obtained multiple convictions under our current approach without violating Read More
NMGC News:
ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC) reminds customers to call 811 before starting any digging projects. Accidentally striking a natural gas line creates a dangerous condition for homeowners, neighbors and first responders.
Consider the potential presence of underground utilities inches below the surface when planning jobs like planting trees or bushes, pulling stumps, installing fence posts, working on irrigation systems or any other projects that require digging.
“Calling 811 to get utility lines marked before any digging project protects families, neighbors Read More
By DAVID IZRAELEVITZ
Candidate
Los Alamos County Sheriff
Los Alamos, alone among the 33 Counties in New Mexico, delegates all law enforcement responsibilities to the Chief of Police. Similarly, all summons, subpoenas, and similar civil actions are also handled by the Police Department. Finally, as a practical matter, Police staff handle the Sex Offenders Registry, even though that is formally the only remaining responsibility of the Sheriff.
This makes sense because only Police staff have the training and expertise to monitor, update, and verify a database so important to our public Read More
LAPD News:
The Los Alamos Police Department (LAPD) reports that two vehicles have crashed with airbags deployed at Arkansas and Diamond Drive.
Traffic will be directed to alternate side streets until the tow truck arrives and clears the scene. Read More
FBI News:
ALBUQUERQUE — A Zuni man was indicted on federal sexual abuse charges related to an alleged assault.
According to court records, on June 11, 2024, Karl Devain Escobar, 33, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, engaged in a sex act with Jane Doe using force and without her consent.
Escobar is charged with sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse. He will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Escobar faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau Read More
By EMMA ABATA
Los Alamos
Why will you show up by the hundreds to protest one man, but not genocide?
I am not asking to shame you or make you defensive. I am asking because I used to be you. I voted blue no matter who. I loved Obama. I believed that if we could just get the right Democrats into office, we could protect abortion rights, defend trans lives, fight climate change, and stand for justice. I believed the story.
Then I watched a livestreamed genocide unfold on my phone, in real time, funded by my tax dollars, backed by the very Democrats I helped elect. I watched children carry their parents’ remains Read More
Classic Air Medical Flight Nurse Ellen Verburg welcomes a family to check out the helicopter during Saturday’s Wildfire Day held outside of the Justice Center. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
From left, Los Alamos Police Department Sgt. Ryan Wolking and Det. Ladislas Szabo show off various pieces of equipment used by the police department during Wildfire Day. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Cory Cochran helps his son, Samuel, check out the Los Alamos Police Department’s bomb truck during Wildfire Day. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
Los Alamos Fire Department Read More
By WENDY BURKE-RYAN and LISA READER
LASOA
Hey, livestock owners! Do you know what’s required by New Mexico to move your horses, bovines, pigs, llamas and goats in case of evacuation due to wildfire? Do you know exit strategies, options, and rules?
Come to a Fire/Emergency Response and Planning Meeting for livestock owners, at 6 p.m. Monday, April 6, at the Posse Lodge.
Los Alamos Wildland Fire Chief Van Leimer and Los Alamos Deputy Emergency Manager Cody Ulrich will present to us and answer questions about Emergency Planning and Fire Preparedness and Response.
Los Alamos Stable Owners Association Read More
STATE News:
SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has announced the appointment of John William Bernitz as the Eleventh Judicial District Attorney, Division II, serving McKinley County.
Bernitz’s appointment is effective immediately and will last until the next general election as provided by law. He currently serves as Chief Deputy District Attorney in the Office of the District Attorney, Eleventh Judicial District, a position he has held since October 2025.
He previously operated the Law Office of John Bernitz in Gallup from 2021 to 2023, handling criminal and family law matters.
Bernitz Read More