An inmate at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) died Wednesday morning, despite life-saving efforts by staff and medical personnel. According to a press release from Bernalillo County, the inmate was a 45-year-old female who had been booked into MDC on Monday morning at approximately 6 a.m. Early Wednesday, around 5:30 a.m., she was […]
Courts, Justice & Safety
Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety
Albuquerque K-9 Officer killed in line of duty
The Albuquerque Police Department is mourning the loss of K-9 Officer Rebel, who was killed in the line of duty early Thursday morning during a SWAT operation. According to APD, Rebel was assisting officers in the apprehension of an armed suspect near the Albuquerque International Sunport. The incident began on May 27, when officers responded […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho honors fallen officers at emotional ceremony
In valor, there is hope. And in Rio Rancho, a large crowd gathered in May to honor the courageous police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Rio Rancho hosted its annual Fallen Officer Memorial at Veterans Monument Park in front of a somber, emotional crowd filled with uniformed officers from various departments, including Rio Rancho […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Sandoval County
Remains found in 2001 identified 24 years later as 1950s wrestler and actor
The remains of a man found in a grave in Sandoval County in 2001 have been identified 24 years later as Hawaiian Keeble Wofford Sr., also known as Kimo Mahi, a wrestler and actor from the 1950s. Othram, a DNA lab in Texas, recently identified Wofford, who appeared in films like “Twilight for the Gods” […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
Rio Rancho residents praise city’s quick homeless encampment cleanup
By Jesse Jones Shortly after Homelessness in Sandoval County: A hidden crisis was published in the Sandoval Signpost, the city quietly cleaned up a Rio Rancho encampment and fixed damaged property, earning praise from nearby residents who had raised concerns. The swift cleanup came after City of Vision resident John Pierce spoke out about safety […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, New Mexico Statewide News
Former Rio Arriba Sheriff’s died from ‘toxic effects of fentanyl and alcohol’
By Kevin Hendricks The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator released a report Thursday that attributes the Easter death of Rio Arriba County Sheriff Billy Merrifield to an accidental overdose involving fentanyl and alcohol. The 50-year-old Merrifield was found dead in his patrol vehicle near his home on Easter Sunday. The initial investigation by […]
Posted inAlbuquerque, Courts, Justice & Safety
New Marble co-owner sued by Santa Fe Brewing for breach of contract. Babincsak is “getting back to making great beer”
By Kevin Hendricks It turns out there are problems that can’t be solved by beer. A legal dispute has erupted in New Mexico’s craft beer industry as Santa Fe Brewing Co. has filed a lawsuit against a former SFBC vice president and current co-owner of Marble Brewery, alleging breach of contract and fraud. The lawsuit, […]
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Senator Heinrich demands answers on land transfer to Army in southern New Mexico
By Kevin Hendricks Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, is pressing the Department of Defense for answers regarding the recent transfer of more than 100,000 acres of public land in three New Mexico counties to the U.S. Army. In April, over 109,651 acres of federal land along […]
Posted inBernalillo County, Courts, Justice & Safety
Choosing the chief
By Rodd Cayton Bernalillo County is asking the public to help find the right person to serve as its next fire chief. Community members are invited to a community input session Monday. URE Consulting, a firm that specializes in executive recruiting services for police and fire agencies, plans to gather feedback from residents about their […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety, Rio Rancho
Shoplifting in Rio Rancho soars
By Jesse Jones Most crimes in the City of Vision are down, with shoplifting being one of the few exceptions. According to the Rio Rancho Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report, shoplifting cases have increased by 13% since 2022, likely due to economic pressures and city growth. “Shoplifting is something that we’re always after,” Mayor Gregg […]