FARMINGTON, New Mexico – The year 2024 has begun with a troubling trend in San Juan County, as the community has experienced an alarming rise in homicides. The increase in violent deaths is particularly concerning, as the county has seen a surge in domestic violence-related incidents resulting in tragic outcomes.

In 2023, the county was already burdened with 13 homicides, linked to various crime-related incidents, including a mass shooting and other violent encounters. However, the disturbing trend continued into 2024 with four homicides occurring within the first month of the year, three of which took place in Farmington, and one in the county.

Law enforcement agencies, notably the Farmington Police Department, have been actively addressing and investigating these cases. Police Chief Steve Hebbe expressed his shock at the unprecedented number of homicides, emphasizing that the community does not typically witness such a high frequency of violent deaths.

San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari also agreed that the recent homicides, particularly those related to domestic violence, are cause for concern. He noted that while the county may go months without a single homicide, the recent cluster of incidents underscores the unpredictability of such violent acts. Additionally, he pointed out that such “isolated incidents” can instill fear in the community, especially when they involve domestic situations.

One particularly tragic incident involved a murder-suicide in December 2023, where a 22-year-old man fatally shot his former girlfriend, 19-year-old Aeriel Gallegos, before taking his own life. The couple had a history of domestic abuse, with Gallegos having filed a restraining order against him. Tragically, the protective measures were not enough to prevent the fatal outcome.

In another devastating case, a 67-year-old man was shot and killed by his wife, marking a distressing trend of domestic violence-related homicides in the region. The prevalence of such incidents has prompted law enforcement officials to reevaluate their approach to addressing and preventing domestic violence.

Farmington and San Juan County have seen a variety of homicide cases, including a double homicide at a local salvage yard, a fatal shooting at a mall, and other disturbing instances of violence. Each case represents an individual tragedy, underscoring the urgent need for a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of such violence.

Moving forward, local law enforcement is committed to enhancing their efforts in combatting domestic violence, with plans for improved training, collaboration with victim advocates, and the development of innovative programs to identify and address violent offenders. The community remains determined to confront and mitigate the serious issue of domestic violence-related homicides, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of its residents.

As the year unfolds, the resolve to address these challenges remains steadfast, with community leaders and law enforcement agencies working in tandem to bring about meaningful change and to prevent further loss of life due to domestic violence.