Search fatalities

On July 16, 2021, officers from the Roswell Police Department and deputies from the Chaves County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a man threatening to shoot other residents in the 2300 block of Mills Drive in Roswell, New Mexico. When officers located Craig Heinzen, 64, outside the back of the residence, he was allegedly armed with one or more firearms and refused to comply with commands. Officer Leroy Smith, Deputy Isaac Nava, and Deputy Ben Conklin opened fire, killing Heinzen.

On July 14, 2021, FBI agents and local police were serving multiple search warrants at a strip mall near Northeastern Blvd NE and Wyoming Blvd NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the operation, Marquez Floyd, 31, was shot and killed in an alleyway behind the strip mall. Authorities have not released additional details about the incident or the circumstances leading to the shooting.

https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/new-details-revealed-about-suspect-killed-in-shootout-with-fbi/
1. https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/suspect-fatally-shot-by-fbi-agents-had-long-criminal-history-gang-affiliation/
2. https://www.kob.com/archive/fbi-man-killed-in-shootout-with-agent-was-local-leader-of-bloods-gang/

FBI agents and local police were serving multiple search warrants around 11 a.m. at a strip mall near Northeastern Boulevard NE and Wyoming Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During the operation, police shot and killed Marquez Floyd in the alleyway behind the strip mall. Authorities withheld specific details regarding the circumstances of the shooting.

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/local/article_03339ab5-32c3-5c42-9aef-d1bd166dce5a.html

On July 11, 2021, Shawn Marvin Thomas, 36, was shot and killed by deputies from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office following a pursuit that began on the Navajo Nation. Around 1:25 p.m., police were notified of a man armed with a gun at a Speedway gas station at the intersection of U.S. Highway 64 and U.S. Highway 491. Thomas, reportedly holding a gun, left in a blue Toyota passenger car. Tribal police pursued Thomas eastbound on U.S. Highway 64 until he entered the Sheriff's Office jurisdiction. Deputies deployed stop sticks, deflating two tires, and Thomas's vehicle stopped in the westbound lanes near mile markers 33 and 34. Deputies approached the vehicle, and for reasons not specified, one deputy shot and killed Thomas.

https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/man-shot-killed-by-san-juan-co-deputies-had-long-criminal-history/
• https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/albuquerque-man-dies-in-officer-involved-shooting-east-of-shiprock/
• https://www.ksje.com/news/local-news/more-details-released-about-officer-involved-shooting/

On July 7, 2021, deputies from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic violence incident at No. 1 Entrada Capulin in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Edward Daniel Santana, 45, allegedly stabbed his mother, Delia Cervantes, 67, multiple times. Deputies found Santana standing on a patio holding a fence post. He reportedly walked toward them "in an aggressive manner" and ignored commands to stop. One deputy deployed a Taser, but another deputy shot and killed Santana.

• https://www.koat.com/article/nmsp-authorities-shot-man-who-murdered-mother/37184230
• https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/video-shows-moments-after-nm-man-stabs-mother/
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/family-man-shot-santa-fe-150600665.html

On June 27, 2021, around 5 p.m., deputies from the Chaves County Sheriff's Office responded to a domestic dispute involving a firearm between a man and a woman in a vehicle. Oscar Najera III, 25, drove away from the scene in the vehicle. Deputies later located the unattended vehicle at a Stripes gas station in Roswell, New Mexico. While searching the area, a deputy encountered Najera behind a residence on Evergreen Street. Najera fled on foot, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, a deputy discharged a Taser, but it was unsuccessful. Najera continued running and reached the front of another residence on Evergreen Avenue, where two deputies confronted him. The deputies reportedly gave commands before drawing their firearms and shooting, killing Najera.The family of Oscar Najera has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Chaves County Sheriff's Office, alleging that deputies lacked proper training and that Najera was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/additional-details-provided-in-fatal-deputy-involved-shooting-of-roswell-man/
• https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/suspect-dead-in-roswell-officer-involved-shooting/
• https://www.aclu-nm.org/en/cases/najera-v-chaves-county-new-mexico-law-enforcement-academy-board

On June 23, 2021, deputies from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office encountered a stolen black Ford Ranger truck. The driver, later identified as Nathan Roybal, 32, allegedly attempted to strike a patrol vehicle, prompting a pursuit. Roybal initially evaded deputies. Around 11 p.m., another deputy spotted the stolen truck and initiated a second pursuit when Roybal fled again. The truck stopped at the intersection of Siler Road and Rufina Court. Roybal exited the vehicle, pointed a handgun at deputies, and was subsequently shot and killed.

https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2021/07/15/update-2-ois-involving-the-santa-fe-county-sheriffs-office/
2. https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/video-shows-what-led-up-to-a-deadly-deputy-involved-shooting-in-santa-fe/
3. https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-shootings-santa-fe-dbf247090819fca538dfa02a6a31e289

On June 23, 2021, around 10 a.m., Santa Fe Police officers responded to reports of a fight between a man and a woman at DeVargas Park in Santa Fe, New Mexico. According to police, Francisco Javier Lino-Gutierrez, 29, shot the woman during the altercation and fled the scene. Officers located an individual matching the suspect's description near Loretto Chapel. During the pursuit, Lino-Gutierrez allegedly turned and pointed a handgun at officers. At least one officer opened fire, killing him.

https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/additional-details-released-in-santa-fe-police-officer-involved-shooting/
2. https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/suspect-dies-following-santa-fe-police-officer-involved-shooting/
3. https://www.yahoo.com/news/man-killed-police-downtown-santa-150200754.html

On June 17, 2021, around 9 p.m., deputies from the Socorro County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of shots fired at 78 Pedro Place in Veguita, New Mexico. A neighbor reported that occupants of a white Dodge pickup truck were shooting at an unoccupied residence. Deputies Richard Lopez and Carlos Valenzuela arrived and were met with gunfire from Dean Gross, who fired at least one shot at them. Both deputies returned fire, striking the truck, which caused an explosion. During the incident, Max Jaramillo, 29, fled on foot into the desert. Dean Gross, Joseph Ramalia, and two women remained at the scene and were detained by deputies. Jaramillo was later found deceased in a nearby arroyo.

https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2021/07/06/update-ois-involving-the-socorro-county-sheriffs-office-in-veguita-nm/
2. https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/family-files-lawsuit-after-man-killed-in-explosion-during-a-shoot-out-with-socorro-county-sheriffs-office/
3. https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/video-shows-explosion-during-socorro-co-deputy-involved-shooting/

On May 9, 2021, Albuquerque Police Department officers were working near Iliff and Coors in Albuquerque, New Mexico, when they were flagged down regarding an individual reportedly throwing rocks at vehicles in a hotel parking lot. Upon attempting to make contact, the individual, identified as Justin Anaya, fled on foot. He crossed various fences and entered Interstate 40, where he was struck and killed by a vehicle.

https://apnews.com/article/albuquerque-7bdb3ea37fc5ce987f7cfdbbfd8c32c4
https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/apd-pedestrian-fatally-struck-by-vehicle-after-throwing-rocks-at-cars-fleeing-police/
https://www.koat.com/article/man-killed-i40-unser-pedestrian-crash/38264507

On May 1, 2021, Cuba Police Officer Brandon Roybal Barber allegedly drove a black Ford F-150 pickup truck in the wrong direction on Interstate 25 near Roy Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Barber's vehicle collided with a black GMC Yukon, killing two occupants. Barber was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, aggravated DWI, and possession of an open container.
.
Brandon Roybal Barber, a former probationary officer with the Cuba Police Department, was charged and convicted for the fatal incident on May 1, 2021. He pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide while intoxicated, one count of great bodily harm by vehicle while driving under the influence, and one count of driving with an open container. In March 2023, he was sentenced to 26 years in prison, with five years of probation.

1. https://accidentdatacenter.com/us/new-mexico/albuquerque-santa-fe-nm/albuquerque/21/05/01/alfredo-escaname-hernandez-50-and-diego-arellano-robles-21-killed-fernando-arellano-21-seriously
2. https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/former-police-officer-pleads-guilty-to-drunk-driving-crash-on-i-25/
3. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/brandon-barber-drunk-driving-crash-new-mexico-denver/

On May 1, 2021, Cuba Police Officer Brandon Roybal Barber allegedly drove a black Ford F-150 pickup truck in the wrong direction on Interstate 25 near Roy Avenue in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Barber's vehicle collided with a black GMC Yukon, killing two occupants. Barber was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, aggravated DWI, and possession of an open container.
.
Brandon Roybal Barber, a former probationary officer with the Cuba Police Department, was charged and convicted for the fatal incident on May 1, 2021. He pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide while intoxicated, one count of great bodily harm by vehicle while driving under the influence, and one count of driving with an open container. In March 2023, he was sentenced to 26 years in prison, with five years of probation.

https://accidentdatacenter.com/us/new-mexico/albuquerque-santa-fe-nm/albuquerque/21/05/01/alfredo-escaname-hernandez-50-and-diego-arellano-robles-21-killed-fernando-arellano-21-seriously

https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/former-new-mexico-police-officer-sentenced-for-deadly-drunk-driving-crash/

https://www.kob.com/archive/off-duty-cuba-officer-charged-in-alleged-dwi-crash-to-remain-free-before-trial/

On April 16, 2021, Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to a domestic dispute at a residence on Coyote Canyon Place NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Juan James Cordova, 51, was reportedly armed and had fired a shot inside the house and was in mental health crisis per his girlfriend. Officers spent approximately an hour attempting to negotiate with Cordova, urging him to surrender peacefully.
.
Despite negotiations, Cordova remained uncooperative, holding a firearm and making statements suggesting he intended to provoke a lethal response from the police. At one point, he fired a round, which passed through a window and struck a neighbor's house. When Cordova allegedly pointed his firearm at the officers, Officer Bryce Willsey opened fire and killed him.
.
Officer Willsey, a member of the Albuquerque Police Department since 2015, had been involved in three prior officer-involved shootings before this incident. In October 2023, Cordova's family filed a lawsuit against the city of Albuquerque and Officer Willsey, alleging excessive force and claiming that Cordova was experiencing a mental health crisis and his death had been avoidable.

1. https://www.koat.com/article/apd-releases-body-cam-and-ring-cam-video-of-shooting/36703283
2. https://www.krqe.com/news/albuquerque-metro/apd-releases-details-in-april-officer-involved-shooting/
3. https://apnews.com/article/nm-state-wire-albuquerque-shootings-0a3b14bd63dd9410604952bd7c643ce1

On April 15, 2021, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Roswell Police Department officers assisted the Chaves County Sheriff's Office during a pursuit involving a white Ford pickup truck that had fled from a deputy during an attempted traffic stop. Roswell officers deployed two sets of tire deflation devices and missed.
The vehicle then entered the parking lot of a bank at 1901 N Main St in Roswell, New Mexico. The driver, identified as 22-year-old Victor Ivan Barron, exited the truck holding a firearm and attempted to run away on foot. Officers Danny Flott and Abrem Atencio, both with the Roswell Police Department, along with Chaves County Sheriff’s Deputy Samuel Lueras, each discharged their firearms, striking and killing Barron.

https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2021/04/17/shooting-involving-roswell-police-department-and-chaves-county-sheriffs-office/
• https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/roswell-officer-involved-shooting-suspect-had-long-criminal-history/
• https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/suspect-in-roswell-officer-involved-shooting-dies-from-injuries/

On April 5, 2021, Danny White, 43, died while being arrested by officers from the Albuquerque Police Department in Northwest Albuquerque, New Mexico. Officers responded to a call at a residence in the 3100 block of Ronda De Lechusas NW. According to police, White suffered a medical episode during the arrest.

• https://www.kob.com/archive/family-of-man-killed-while-in-police-custody-sues-apd/
• https://www.kob.com/archive/policy-violations-found-in-albuquerque-mans-restraint-death/

On March 21, 2021, at approximately 7:19 p.m., deputies from the Chaves County Sheriff's Office went to a property on 6400 Shadow Road in Dexter, New Mexico, to serve Sergio Gutierrez Chairez, 31, with two outstanding arrest warrants. Upon arrival, deputies observed Chairez outside the residence but were unable to enter due to a locked gate and fencing.
.
After obtaining a search warrant, deputies entered the property, at which point Chairezlocked himself inside a semi-truck parked on the premises. Negotiations to convince Chairez to surrender were unsuccessful. Deputies eventually breached the semi-truck, and a deputy discharged their firearm, fatally striking Chairez.

https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/suspect-dead-following-shooting-involving-chaves-county-sheriffs-office/
• https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/nmsp-man-raised-rifle-toward-chaves-county-deputies/
• https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2021/04/26/update-police-shooting-involving-chaves-county-sheriffs-office/

On February 20, 2021, Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to reports of a man walking in the street near Copper Avenue NE and San Mateo Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Upon arrival, officers attempted to get the man, later identified as 40-year-old Claude Trivino, to move out of the roadway. Trivino reportedly did not cooperate with the officers' commands.
.
Police deployed a stun gun, but it was unsuccessful. According to reports, Trivino then came toward the officers. They shot and killed him.

• https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/police-release-name-of-suspect-from-saturdays-officer-involved-shooting/
• https://www.kob.com/archive/apd-releases-lapel-video-of-officer-involved-shooting-that-left-one-man-dead/
• https://apnews.com/article/general-news-b110ea1cfc1509cc2f3ecb51e8864d9d

On February 14, 2021, a Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety officer responded to a domestic violence call at Taos Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico. During a confrontation at the scene, the officer opened fire, killing the man. Details regarding the circumstances leading to the shooting have not been released by police.

https://www.taosnews.com/news/man-killed-by-taos-pueblo-police-officer/article_c3e1b620-6fef-11eb-9ffc-7bb851617d55.html
https://www.taosnews.com/news/local-news/pueblo-shooting-still-under-investigation/article_d94f7370-679a-5d29-aab4-61ea65ad97b9.html

On February 4, 2021, Omar Felix Cueva, 39, was stopped by New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott on Interstate 10 near Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as part of an investigation with Homeland Security Investigations. During the traffic stop, Cueva fatally shot Officer Jarrott.
.
Cueva fled and continued driving eastbound on I-10. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including the Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office, and U.S. Border Patrol, pursued him.
.
Officers deployed tire deflation devices, which disabled Cueva's white Chevrolet pickup truck. A Las Cruces Police Department officer rammed Cueva's vehicle, bringing it to a stop.
Cueva exited his vehicle and exchanged gunfire with the officers. Law enforcement from several agencies discharged their firearms, fatally striking Cueva.

https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2021/04/09/update-new-mexico-state-police-officer-killed-during-traffic-stop-on-interstate-10-in-luna-county/
• https://www.dps.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3.11.24_Final-DARIAN_JARROTT_INCIDENT_REVIEW_COMMITTEE_REPORT_REV_R.pdf
• https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/video-shows-moment-new-mexico-officer-killed-during-traffic-stop-when-asked-for-rifle

On February 3, 2021, the Deming Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security were involved in an operation in Deming, New Mexico, near 1st Street and 8th Street. During the investigation, an individual was shot and killed by law enforcement officers. His family stated that he was mentally ill and known to carry toy guns and while he had a gun, he did not raise it at police.

https://www.krqe.com/news/new-mexico/suspect-dead-following-officer-involved-shooting-in-deming/

On February 1, 2021, around noon, Albuquerque Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting at an apartment complex. Officers pursued a man from the incident in a high-speed chase through the city. The pursuit ended near Virginia Street NE and Lomas Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The individual reportedly shot and killed himself at the conclusion of the chase.

1. https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/one-injured-in-ne-albuquerque-apartment-shooting/
2. https://www.krqe.com/news/man-leads-albuquerque-police-on-chase-before-killing-self/
3. https://www.krqe.com/video/driver-leads-police-on-chase-commits-suicide/4414502/

On January 31, 2021, deputies from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a fight involving gunfire in the 1000 block of Atrisco Road SW in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Deputies, who were in the vicinity at the time, encountered a man, later identified as 41-year-old Ezekial Meza, while en route to the scene. Meza reportedly attempted to flee, leading to a confrontation during which deputies opened fire and killed him.

• https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/bernalillo-county-deputy-involved-shooting-on-atrisco-road/
• https://www.abqjournal.com/news/bernalillo-county-sheriffs-office-shooting-involving-fight-call.html
• https://www.koat.com/article/man-fatally-shot-by-bernalillo-county-deputies-during-response-to-fight/36452018