Trial date set for South Carolina man linked to New Mexico State Police officer's death - Albuquerque news - NewsLocker (2024)

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) -- A Marion man accused in the March 15 killing of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare will go to trial this summer, according to federal court records.Jaremy Smith, 33, pleaded not guilty on April 18 to charges including carjacking resulting in death, causing death by the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, kidnapping resulting in death and interstate transport of a stolen vehicle.Jury selection and a potential start to the tri

ABQ to have the highest UV index in the country on Tuesday

Warmer and dry weather continues this week. The UV index in parts of New Mexico will be higher than anywhere else in the United State on Tuesday.It was a quiet start to the week across New Mexico with sunny skies, around average high temperatures and light to calm winds. These conditions will continue through Tuesday, but high temperatures will be as much as 10° warmer than today. By Wednesday, southwesterly winds will pick up, with afternoon gusts as high as 25 to 45 mph. These winds will a

NM BioPark Society raises concerns over proposed budget for the ABQ BioPark

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) –- The non-profit that supports the BioPark is sounding the alarm after saying the city's proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 leaves out key funding for the facility to feed animals and keep its new Asia exhibit open.
"When it was published, we looked at it and said this seems a little light," said Julie Miller Rugg, Executive Director for the New Mexico BioPark Society. "We're hoping it was an oversight."Story continues below
News: ABQ man found with victim&

Protest breaks out at the University of New Mexico Student Union Building

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Students and community members have marched into the University of New Mexico Student Union Building setting up tents on the second floor. This is the latest in a multi-day protest held on campus calling for UNM to call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas War.New trial begins for man convicted of killing army veteranKRQE News 13's crew on site said protesters graffitied the inside of the building. New Mexico State Police say they are assisting the U

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Braden Appelhans decides to stay at UNM

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – UNM shooting guard Braden Appelhans has had a change of heart. The six foot seven red shirt freshman shooting guard has decided to withdraw his name from the transfer portal and remain with the University of New Mexico Lobos.
Appelhans announced on social media last week that he was entering the transfer portal. Monday he made his decision to return known by doing the same thing. Appelhans posted, "There is no place like it. Go Lobos."
He played in 16 games

7 people displaced after fire at Las Cruces apartment complex

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- A fire at a Las Cruces apartment complex damaged two homes and displaced seven residents on Sunday afternoon, April 28, the Las Cruces Fire Department said.
Shortly before 3 p.m., Las Cruces firefighters were called out on a report of a fire at Willow Brook Mars Townhomes at 2200 Mars Ave. Crews arrived to find flames coming from the roof of one section of the complex.Firefighters pinpointed the fire to an attic. Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to

NMDOH detects Xylazine in fentanyl samples

NEW MEXICO(KRQE) –The New Mexico Department of Health has confirmed the presence of Xlazyine in fentanyl samples tested through the New Mexico Adulterant Program. The drug, also known as "tranq" or the "zombie drug" is a central nervous system depressant often used in veterinary medicine and is not approved for human use.What is xylazine? A medical toxicologist explains how it increases overdose risk, and why Narcan can still save a lifeThe DOH says Xylazine has been commonly

Man shot, killed in officer-involved shooting in Chaparral

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- A man was shot and killed in Chaparral, New Mexico, Monday afternoon, April 29 in what the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office is calling an officer-involved shooting.The incident happened at about 2:20 p.m. near Luna Azul and Prescott Anthony Dr.
Deputies responded to call about a theft in progress and when they arrived, they made contact with a man.
According to DASO, a struggle ensued, shots were fired and the man was killed.The incident is being investigated by DASO det

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Cargo check in southern New Mexico turns up with hundreds of pounds of drugs

LORDSBURG, N.M.(KRQE) –Authorities said they encountered a large amount of drugs at the Lordsburg Port of Entry. They were found in a commercial motor vehicle.The New Mexico State Police said a transportation inspector asked for help during a cargo inspection on Sunday around 1:15 p.m. The trailer was locked, and the driver didn't have a key.Story continues below
News: ABQ man found with victim’s vehicle, 13 credit cards after February murderEntertainment: Splash pad at C

Brantley Lake State Park's fishing dock has returned

CARLSBAD, N.M.(KRQE) – The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's (EMNRD) New Mexico State Parks Division has announced the presence of a fishing dock. It's at Brantley Lake State Park.About five years ago, officials said they closed a fishing dock that was unsafe. Now, they've welcomed a new one at the park.
“We are thrilled to once again offer anglers a safe and accessible platform to enjoy one of their favorite pastimes at Brantley Lake State Park. This project

Video shows Albuquerque gathering just before fatal shooting

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) –A man is charged with shooting and killing a man at a dance, and police said the motive was a decade-old grudge.On Monday morning, Theodore Toney faced a judge on murder charges. Now, a new video shows the moments that led up to the shooting.In the video, people are dancing and mingling, and the victim has been there for about an hour. Investigators claimed Toney left the room for a minute, and then the video showed him returning to walk out of view whi

USDA to require electronic ear tags for most cattle, bison during transport

NEW MEXICO(KRQE) – As bird flu reached New Mexico dairy cows, the feds are set to launch new safety rules for transporting some livestock. However, some local ranchers are now concerned about how much it might impact them.“This rapid of a change is going to be hard for people to comply with,” said New Mexico Cattle Growers Association President Bronson Corn.Ranchers and cattle farmers across New Mexico are bracing for a big change. Under a new rule, the United States Depa

Warm and dry weather sticks around this week

After rain and snow fell in parts of New Mexico this weekend, drier weather is here to stay this week. Winds pick up on Wednesday.
It is a quiet start to the week across New Mexico with sunny skies, around average high temperatures and light to calm winds. These conditions will continue through Tuesday, but high temperatures will be as much as 10° warmer than today. By Wednesday, southwesterly winds will pick up, with afternoon gusts as high as 25 to 45 mph. These winds will also help to bri

ABQ BioPark invites families to celebrate Mother's Day at the zoo

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) –The ABQ BioPark is inviting families down to the park to celebrate Mother's Day next month. On May 12, starting at 9 a.m., the zoo will feature live music all around the park as well as free face painting and specialty menus.BioPark Botanic Garden shares seed, plant info with local kidsTo buy a ticket, click this link.

Man sentenced for two double murders in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – A man accused of two double murders in Albuquerque will spend the rest of his life in prison.John Paul Ballejos, 31, was sentenced last Tuesday to two consecutive life sentences by Bernalillo District Court Judge Bruce Fox. Ballejos was the center of a KRQE investigation that revealed red flags in Ballejos' past leading up to the murders.Mistrial declared in case of former APD officer accused of dragging disabled man out of TargetBallejos' uncle, Hesiquio C

Vacant secretary seat filled at New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

SANTA FE, N.M.(KRQE) –New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) has a new secretary. The position had been vacant since December of 2023.New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed Melanie A. Kenderdine to be the department's new leader. Kenderdine brings experience from the non-profit and government sectors.Texas-based oil company to pay New Mexico $24.5 million over pollution allegations“I am honored to join Governor Lujan Grisham&

Cookies dispensary accused of violating New Mexico Cannabis Regulation Act at opening celebration

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Albuquerque dispensary Cookies is accused of several violations of the state's Cannabis Regulation Act, according to an April 8 notice filed by the Cannabis Control Division (CCD).The regulators are contemplating taking disciplinary action against Blue Whale Enterprises Inc., which operates Cookies, for alleged violations that took place during the dispensary's grand opening event on Nov. 18, 2023.The regulators accused the dispensary, located at 1340 Broadw

Rio Rancho man sentenced for robbing woman by gunpoint in 2022

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – A man who forced a woman to empty her bank account before leading deputies on a chase through Albuquerque on New Year's Day in 2022 was sentenced to five years in prison. Aron Leon used a gun to rob the woman at an ATM outside a bank near Rio Bravo and Second St. and got away with more than $300. He was asked caught in a stolen Jeep after a lengthy chase by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.Trial date set for South Carolina man linked to New Mexico Sta

Rio Rancho man sentenced for robbing woman at gunpoint in 2022

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – A man who forced a woman to empty her bank account before leading deputies on a chase through Albuquerque on New Year's Day in 2022 was sentenced to five years in prison. Aron Leon used a gun to rob the woman at an ATM outside a bank near Rio Bravo and Second St. and got away with more than $300. He was asked caught in a stolen Jeep after a lengthy chase by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.Trial date set for South Carolina man linked to New Mexico Sta

Rare white bison born at Texas ranch

BURNET, Texas (KXAN) — A Burnet ranch's latest bundle of joy comes with an added twist, after welcoming a rare white bison calf last week.Wagon Springs Ranch's owner Carl Chambers told KXAN his ranch crossed two blonde-haired bison last year. This marked the mama's first calf, and it's made for a memorable experience, Chambers said."When me and my brother went into the brush, I saw her laying down and then I saw this big white thing next to her. And I was like 'what is that?'" Chambers rec

Bernalillo County DA, BCSO Sheriff to hold town hall meeting on Tuesday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Sheriff John Allen are hosting a town hall meeting on Tuesday with the two taking questions from the public. The town hall begins at 6 p.m. at the Paradise Hills Community Center near Unser and Paradise Blvd.New video shows derailed train explosion near AZ-NM borderPeople attending the meeting can submit their questions before the speakers take the stage.

2 arrested for street racing in Roswell

ROSWELL, N.M.(KRQE) – Two suspected street racers were arrested on Sunday night on Main Street in Roswell. Chaves County Sheriff's Office deputies pulled over 20-year-old Emily Munoz-Corral along with a 16-year-old male just before 10 p.m.Video: Driver tries to race BCSO deputy on Paseo Del NorteMunoz-Carol was arrested and taken to the Chaves County Detention Center. The 16-year-old was arrested and released to his parents.

Cibola National Forest raising some recreation fees

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Usage fees for some sites within the Cibola National Forest will increase beginning in May. The U.S. Forest Service says rising maintenance costs necessitated the fee increases.Day-use fees will increase from $3 to $5. single family campsites will increase to $10 per night. Equestrian campsites will increase to $12 per night. Other fee increases will vary depending on amenities and site capacity, the Forest Service says.Texas-based oil company to pay New Me

Mistrial declared in case of former APD officer accused of dragging disabled man out of Target

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – The trial against Kenneth Skeens, a former Albuquerque Police Department (APD) officer accused of dragging a disabled man out of an Albuquerque Target, ended in a mistrial on Monday.Judge BrittM.Baca-Miller declared a mistrial as a result of a hung jury, which is when a jury is unable to unanimously agree on a verdict. Skeens was accused of using excessive force against Matthew McManus while he was at the self-checkout trying to buy a bike at Tar

New Mexico Supreme Court hears arguments in case over APS teacher's racial comments

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) –On Monday, the New Mexico Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a discrimination lawsuit against Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). In the case, Johnson V. Board of Education, a student sued the public school system after a teacher called a Navajo student with fake blood on her cheek a “bloody Indian” during a Halloween class.The incident occurred in 2018. The case has now made its way to the state supreme court, and the court is using it as

Las Cruces Police investigate shooting

LAS CRUCES, N.M.(KRQE) –Las Cruces Police are investigating after a 34-year-old man was shot.Police were called to a home on the 1900 block of Princess Jeanne Drive around 3:30 a.m. Monday for a person who was shot. Police said that they have not yet identified or located a suspect.New video shows derailed train explosion near AZ-NM borderPolice have temporarily closed a portion of Princess Jeanne Drive as they investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call the police a

Nob Hill eatery nabs place on Yelp's 'top brunch spot' list

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Nothing puts a bow on a great weekend like a visit to your favorite brunch spot. Yelp has recently released its Top 100 Brunch Spots 2024 list and an Albuquerque restaurant has made the list.The Farmacy at 3718 Central Ave SE came in at #95. It currently has a 4.5-star rating on Yelp based on 692 reviews. "My husband had the pork belly over grits and he practically licked the bowl clean! We will definitely return," wrote Debi J.l from Atlanta, GA.Albuquerqu

Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquín Baca speaks about District 2

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquín Baca represents District 2, which includes downtown, old town, part of the west mesa and the valley east of the river.
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News: ABQ man found with victim’s vehicle, 13 credit cards after February murderEntertainment: Splash pad at Civic Plaza reopens ahead of summerCrime: New Mexico man complicit in deadly 2012 7-Eleven shooting violates probationNew Mexico: New video shows derailed train exp

New trial begins for man convicted of killing army veteran

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) – A trial is beginning for Matthew Chavez, who was convicted of killing army veteran Tyler Lackey eight years ago.
In 2016 Chavez shot and killed Lackey at an ATM near Gibson and Yale during an attempted robbery. A jury found Chavez guilty of second degree murder and other charges and Chavez was sentenced to the maximum 23 and a half years in prison.Related Coverage:
Jury finds man guilty of shooting Army veteran at ATMFamilyof man killed at Albuquerque

New Mexico State Police conducts PIT maneuver, crashes into stolen Taos County Sheriff's Office unit

TAOS COUNTY, N.M.(KRQE) –A Georgia man is facing five felony charges and one misdemeanor after he stole a Taos County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) vehicle. Shay Anthony Hawes, 39, was arrested and booked into the Taos County Adult Detention Center after New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officers conducted a PIT maneuver and crashed into the stolen TCSO vehicle to stop Hawes from fleeing.According to the criminal complaint, at around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 28, a Taos County Sheriff'