Chaves County Gun Violence | New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence

On October 29, 2022 in Roswell, New Mexico, Roswell High School was placed on lockdown after a teenager was shot in a residential area near the school. The teenager was shot in the arm and had non-life-threatening injuries. https://bit.ly/3Imf4TL
On June 22, 2022 in Roswell, New Mexico, Joel Contreras (27) was arrested for kidnapping a 23-year-old woman at gunpoint. The incident began around 5:45 p.m. at a convenience store, where Contreras stole a vehicle at gunpoint and then took off with the woman still in the car. Police pursued the vehicle, stopping it finally after shooting at the driver and causing him to crash. No one was injured. https://bit.ly/3zMITbL
On April 24, 2022 in Roswell, New Mexico, Juan Silvas (23) was arrested after shooting a teenager in both legs during a physical altercation between the two. The injuries were non-fatal. https://bit.ly/3voZBg4
On April 17, 2022 in Roswell, New Mexico, two teenagers were found dead at Cahoon Park around 5 p.m. Allegedly, the victims, Cameron Luna (15) and Jorge Armendariz (16), were at the park to buy a gun. Police stated that a car pulled up to the teens and were shot at by at least two passengers in the vehicle. The suspects were later identified as Javyn Montoya and Carlos Gallegos. https://bit.ly/3Sditsc
On March 28, 2022 in Roswell, New Mexico, Darin Penn (19) was arrested for shooting his 17-year-old roommate, Mason Mayes in their apartment. When police arrived, they found Penn hiding in a closet while Mayes was located on the balcony with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was transported to the hospital, but later died of his injuries. A shotgun present in the apartment is the suspected murder weapon. https://bit.ly/3l954lN
On February 20, 2022 in Roswell, New Mexico, Melissa Kenyon (26) called police to inform them that she had shot her roommate, Cassandra Kirkman (51). The women had gotten into a fight when Kirkman struck Kenyon with a pipe, at which point Kenyon picked up her boyfriend’s gun and shot Kirkman and killed her. https://bit.ly/3thqguH
On December 2, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, a Walmart was put into a lockdown after reports that a shooting suspect may have entered the store. The suspect had been involved in a shooting between passengers of two separate vehicles on West Pine Lodge Road. The shooting led to a police chase during which one person was injured. https://bit.ly/3JeB3Lm
On November 18, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, a man was arrested for leading police on a chase in a stolen SUV with a minor in the vehicle. Trevor Starkey allegedly pointed a rifle at police during the pursuit, which ended with him crashing the vehicle. The 16-year-old passenger has been taken into CYFD’s custody and Starkey faces multiple criminal counts. https://bit.ly/3dWOt0G
On November 13, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, Ryan Shipman (21) was arrested upon being caught breaking into a vehicle. He has been charged with multiple burglary accounts, as police found stolen items from a handful of vehicular break ins that occurred earlier this month. Of the stolen items, one included a handgun. https://bit.ly/3s9WnfQ
On November 10, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, a local teenager was arrested for shooting another man from his vehicle outside of a preschool. Eric Madrid (17) is accused of having fired a gun at an unidentified male victim near Parkview Early Literacy Center. The gunshots prompted the preschool, Sierra Middle School, and El Capitan Elementary into lockdown for nearly an hour and half. Police found Madrid at a residence on Delicado Drive, along with another 24-year-old who was a suspected passenger in the vehicle earlier that day. https://bit.ly/3IXDNgE
On November 6, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, a man was arrested and charged with twelve criminal counts after threatening a woman and sending two schools into lockdown. According to the unidentified woman, the issue began in her home two days earlier as a domestic dispute when William Naylor (33) beat and threatened to kill her. A domestic dispute erupted between the two again on the 6th at a home near North Prairie Avenue. The victim claimed Naylor, who was armed with a gun, fled her home when a physical altercation was interrupted by her daughter. The suspect ran, still armed, in the direction of Goddard High School and Del Norte Elementary, prompting the two schools to go into a 50-minute lockdown. Naylor was heard threatening to “shoot it out” with police before finally apprehended near North Main Street and Vista Parkway following an on-foot pursuit of over two hundred yards. https://bit.ly/3GId1qL
On October 2, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, Chaves Lewis Thomas is being held at the Chaves County Detention Center after shooting and killing his 18-year-old roommate on the 700 block of East Bland street during an argument. https://bit.ly/318l2WB
On September 2, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, police were led on an 85 mile chase in pursuit of Orlando Martinez Flores (33). Around 10:20 that morning, police responded to a report that Flores had gotten into a domestic dispute with his girlfriend. He reportedly held her along with another unnamed woman at gunpoint until forcing the girlfriend into a vehicle against her will. He was chased from Roswell to Carlsbad, and is being charged with multiple offenses including kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon. https://bit.ly/3ImPPQB
On July 19, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, the Chaves County Narcotics Unit Task Force seized four firearms and 4.25 pounds of methamphetamines. https://bit.ly/2YBY88s
On July 16, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, police responded to a call in the 2300 block of Mills Dr. where a man was threatening to shoot others at a residence. Officers saw that he had multiple firearms and shot and killed the man. https://bit.ly/3DsEZVV
On July 9, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, police arrested Robert Avila (25) in the shooting death of Robert Lollis (30) on the 100 block of East Poe. St. https://bit.ly/3Brsjy0
On June 28, 2021 in Chaves County, New Mexico, Chaves County Sheriffs shot and killed Oscar Najera (25) after he fled with a gun during a call that involved a domestic report with a gun. https://bit.ly/3eRxez0
On June 27, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, police have a warrant out for the arrest of Christopher Belton (25) for the shooting death of Domonique Gonzales (34). Gonzales was found shot to death outside of a home on the 400 block of East Forest St. https://bit.ly/3sLT38Z
On May 17, in 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, Christopher Smiley (32) was charged with first degree murder for the May 2 death of Bret Austin Patrick (27). Smiley shot and killed Patrick at an Allsups. https://bit.ly/3cQto8n
On April 27, 2021 in Midway, New Mexico, investigators shot and killed Sergio Gutierrez Chairez while trying to serve an arrest warrant. NMSP reported that Chairez pointed a rifle at law enforcement while they were attempting to make an arrest. https://bit.ly/3fRS6pz
On April 26, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, police were investigating a shooting that occurred in the early morning of the Allsups on North Main and County Club Rd. during an incident that involved both parties armed. Jeffrey Miller (29) was shot and killed by an employee. The altercation took place outside of the store. https://bit.ly/3vsCj76
On April 26, 2021 in Roswell New Mexico, Roswell Police arrested Angel Raymundo Fresquez (21) in connection of the shooting and killing of JoNicholas Alfredo Aguilar (23). The shooting occurred on April 25 on the 1500 block of West Walnut. https://bit.ly/3hXwj2f
On April 17, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, police shot and killed Victor Barron (22) during a foot chase in which he brandished a firearm. https://bit.ly/3wyMW8u
On April 10, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, 22-year-old Victor Ivan was fatally shot by the police. The suspect fled from a deputy in an attempted traffic stop. Officers allege the suspect exited his car and fled with a gun in his hand. https://bit.ly/2RSpdRB
On April 8, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, the Roswell Police Department was looking for a suspect that fired multiple gunshots during a drive by shooting that injured a 33-year-old woman after shooting her in the arm. Her young son was in the car. https://bit.ly/3yTjWu0
On April 7, in Roswell, New Mexico, police were looking for Johnny Joe Dutchoven (father and son, 19 and 43) for a shooting in February of 2021. The shootout involved two cars shooting at each other in the parking lot of the Farmers Country Market. No one was injured but five bystanders live were endangered. https://bit.ly/3fq1m5i
On March 28, 2021, in Dexter, New Mexico, a Chavez County Sheriff shot and killed Sergio Gutierrez Chairez (31) while they were attempting to arrest him. https://bit.ly/324WevI
On March 16, 2021, in Roswell, New Mexico, the Chavez County Sheriff’s office was looking for Johnny Ray Sanchez (30) for questioning in the shooting death of Guillermo Aguilar (30). Sanchez is considered armed and dangerous. https://bit.ly/3wSwQYu
On March 16, 2021 in Roswell, New Mexico, police were looking for information on the shooting death of Robert Francis Smith (31) on Crossing rd. https://bit.ly/2QfWV2D
On February 17, 2021, in Roswell, New Mexico, police arrested Jeffrey Conteraa (25) with an open count of murder, tampering with evidence and being a felon in possession of a firearm in the February 5 th shooting of Anthony Vasquez (55). https://bit.ly/3bZzu55
On November 21, 2020, in Roswell, New Mexico, police were searching for a man in connection of the shooting of 43-year-old John Halfmann who was found shot to death in a shed in the backyard of a residence on E. 5 th street. https://bit.ly/3mycrSB
On October 8, 2020, in Roswell, New Mexico, Roswell police were looking for Hector Manuel Juarato, 37, after being suspected of shooting his ex-girlfriend multiple times in the shoulder. https://bit.ly/3ldievr
On September 18, 2020, Ignacio Gamez, 29, was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Crystal Aguilar, 38. There was no charge for the other shooting victim, Mark Montoya. https://bit.ly/3dRFwFr
On September 12, 2020, police responded to a call at 5:00 a.m. on W. Summit St. They found a 24-year-old shot in the leg following a verbal argument. https://bit.ly/34epToh
On September 19, 2020, at the Raintree Apartments, a gun was fired at a gathering of people. 25-year-old Brannon Patterson and shot and killed. Joseph Vellojos, 25, was arrested the following day for involuntary manslaughter. https://bit.ly/34epToh
On September 19, 2020, multiple shots were fired at the intersection of W. McGaffey and Rancho Rd. According to police, occupants of two vehicles got in a heated argument. A man fired a gun and injured one of the drivers in the elbow. https://bit.ly/34epToh
On September 7, 2020, Roswell Police responded to a call in reference to a shooting at a dwelling. It is reported that there was $2,000.00 in damage to the property caused by gunfire. https://bit.ly/3lZ8FkE
On June 24, 2020, Alberto Ceballos, 34, was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his brother, Omar, 40. Roswell Police reported Omar had 5 gunshot wounds. Alcohol was involved and Alberto Ceballos was a felon in possession of a firearm. https://bit.ly/3dqLVH3
On November 4, 2019 in Roswell, New Mexico, Ronald Chavez was shot by a police officer. Sgt. Ryan Craine was responding to an armed robbery when Chavez pointed a gun at him. Sgt. Craine fired from inside his police vehicle, striking Chavez, who was ten taken into custody. SOURCE: ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL
On October 4, 2019 in Roswell, New Mexico, Alberto Robles, age 34, was accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend, Griselda Rascod, age 35. She was found inside her Roswell home with a gunshot wound to her head. SOURCE: LAS CRUCES POLICE DEPARTMENT
On September 21, 2019 in Roswell, New Mexico, police responded to a robbery with a firearm at a motel. SOURCE: ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
On September 9, 2019 in Roswell, New Mexico, a 43-year-old male was shot once in the foot, perhaps during an altercation with another man outside a residence. The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. SOURCE: ROSWELL DAILY RECORD
On March 21, 2019, in Roswell, New Mexico, Marisela Barela, age 29, was shot and killed. There was a report of gunshots in the location where her body was found. Source: Roswell Daily Record
On January 6, 2019, in Roswell, New Mexico, Isaac Ray Chavez Jr., 22 years old, was arrested on charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The shooting occurred at a residence during a party. Police arrived in reference to several reports of shots fired. Witnesses reported that the shooting began when two men were fighting in front of the house and one man pulled out a gun and shot the other man. One victim was shot in the hand, another in the arm, and a third in the hip. A fourth victim was wounded in the chest. Source: Roswell Daily Record
On September 17, 2018, in Roswell, New Mexico, Samuel Anthony Lopez was charged with approaching two women – one of them the mother of his child – in a vehicle outside of an apartment and threatening them with a gun. Source: Roswell Daily Record
On May 23, 2018, in Dexter, New Mexico, Annette Chavez, age 48, was arrested for the May 11 robbery of the Valley Bank of Commerce. Spokesman Frank Fisher said she had a camouflage outfit, walked into the bank and demanded cash from a teller. Fisher said Chavez implied that she had a gun and was given cash. Source: Albuquerque Journal
On April 5, 2018, in Roswell, New Mexico, Sebastian J. Montes, age 20, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in connection with the shooting of a man who was with him as the two sat in a vehicle. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds but is expected to survive. Source: Roswell Police Department
On February 7, 2018, in Roswell, New Mexico, Tess Jaurequi was killed in a drive-by shooting. Police say multiple gunshots were fired and the bullets struck two mobile homes. Police are looking for information. Source: Roswell Daily Record
On December 26, 2017, in Roswell, New Mexico, James Alan Berrones, 46 years old, was fatally shot by officers after he opened fire while barricaded inside a shed. Authorities say they were serving a warrant for Berrones in connection with a domestic violence incident that happened hours earlier at his ex-girlfriend’s apartment. Source: US News
On November 23, 2017, in Roswell, New Mexico, Joshua Linares, age 21, and Santiago Aguilar, age 20, were arrested on suspicion of murder after the attack on 35-year-old Jeremy Ridens. Investigators believe the attack is connected to an attempted robbery. Ridens was shot during what appeared to be a fight with one or more people in the yard of a home. He made his way to another house after being shot and collapsed. He later died at the hospital. Source: Albuquerque Journal
On September 24, 2017, in Roswell, New Mexico, Jose Diaz, age 30, was involved in a shootout with multiple members of law enforcement. Diaz was found asleep in his vehicle at an intersection. He then fled driving through properties. Diaz then parked, exited his vehicle with a handgun and rifle, and began firing at law enforcement. Deputies returned fire with Diaz being struck in the foot and arm. He was taken into custody. Source: Artesia Daily Press
On September 24, 2017, in Roswell, New Mexico, Michael Anthony Herrera, age 33, turned himself into police who were looking for him in connection with the death of Jared Aralla, age 26. Police say Aralla was found dead in his family’s home. Investigators say Herrera went to the house intending to shoot his girlfriend and another man who was allegedly having a relationship with her. When he arrived at the house, Aralla was the only one home. Investigators believed the two men talked before the shooting occurred. Source: KRQE News
On February 15, 2017, in Roswell, New Mexico, Shayne Romero, 30 years old, killed himself after firing at an officer investigating a stolen car. Roswell police say an officer encountered Romero outside a motel while checking out the report. After Romero and the officer exchanged gunfire, the suspect collapsed. A second officer arrived and ordered Romero to drop his gun. Police say Romero instead shot himself in the head. Source: Santa Fe New Mexican
On November 9, 2016, in Roswell, New Mexico, Ernest Ray Allen was shot by his 35-year-old nephew, Cody Hairston. Police say the warrant accuses Hairston of first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Officers who responded to the shooting found Allen wounded and unconscious. He was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Source: Associated Press
On July 29, 2016, in Roswell, New Mexico, Juan Nava, a 27-year-old, was arrested and charged with firearms and destructive devices. A police report alleges Nava was in possession of a .22 revolver and 8 boxes of ammunition. Source: Roswell Daily Record
On May 24, 2016, in Roswell, New Mexico, police officers found Edward Pyeatt, who had been shot. He was taken to a hospital and later died. Branden Berg was arrested for shooting Pyeatt, his uncle. He faces an open count of murder. Source: KRQE News
On May 11, 2016, in Roswell, New Mexico, police found 24-year-old Christopher Montoya deceased in the street. Investigators believe Montoya was outside when a vehicle arrived with multiple people inside. They say some or all of the people in the vehicle got into a fight before Montoya was shot. Police are investigating. Source: KRQE News
On March 26, 2016, in Chaves County, New Mexico, 33-year-old Robert Guerin was killed after a standoff with police. Guerin was driving a truck erratically and was seen pointing a gun from the truck. Roswell police tried to pull the vehicle over but Guerin exited the vehicle and pointed a gun at the officers. A Roswell police officer fired one shot, hitting Guerin, who later died at the hospital. Source: KRQE News
On February 3, 2016, in Chaves County, New Mexico, after 4.5 hours in a standoff with police, 23-year-old Sebastian Lane was taken into custody. It started when Lane allegedly pointed a gun at his brother and later at an officer. Police arrived at the house and swat members tried to negotiate with him. Tear gas was deployed and Lane surrendered. Source: KRQE News
On September 12, 2015, in Roswell, New Mexico, a woman was transported to the hospital after being shot on the block of 300 West Albuquerque St. Source: Roswell Daily Report
On August 22, 2015, in Roswell, New Mexico, three people were found dead and another wounded inside a home. Source: Albuquerque Journal
On July 26, 2015, in Roswell, New Mexico police were searching for a gunman who opened fire at a children’s tag football game. Two people were injured by gunshots.
On April 18, 2015 south of Roswell, New Mexico, 21-year-old Guimel Vasques was shot and killed in an apparent accident. Source: KRQE News
On June 8, 2015, in Roswell, New Mexico, a man was arrested for firing multiple shots at a vehicle carrying two men who had just been released from jail following the dismissal of charges against them in a shooting case against the suspect. Source: Copblotter.net
On January 14, 2014, in Roswell, New Mexico, a 12-year-old boy shot a sawed off shotgun at Berrendo Middle School and critically injured a girl and a boy. The two students will suffer from lead poisoning for the rest of their lives. The boy will never regain sight in his eye and the girl will likely have permanent organ damage. The gun was unlocked in the parent’s bedroom closet. Source: CNN News
On April 13, 2013, in Roswell, New Mexico, 52-year-old Curtis Hicks shot officer David Freeman and a female motorist several times when he was pulled over at a traffic stop. A high-speed chase ensued until officers shot and killed Hicks. Source: ajc.com
On January 11, 2011, in Roswell, New Mexico, 17-year-old Alberto Villela died after accidentally shooting himself in the head at a party. Alcohol and drugs were involved in the incident. Source: Washington Examiner

NMPGV is working to make our state and country safer by strengthening laws that seek to prevent gun violence.

Join our mission, and invest in the future of New Mexico today.

Join our list, stay updated!