Two Dead In Home With 'Signs Of Trauma' – Associated Press
Albuquerque police say a homicide investigation is underway after officers conducting a welfare check of residents of a home Friday night found two people dead with what police called "signs of trauma."
The Police Department said homicide detectives who are investigating the deaths are obtaining a search warrant for the home on the 6200 block of Sweetwater Drive Northwest and interviewing neighbors.
Police also said that a 2012 Hyundai Tucson with a New Mexico license plate of NNT866 as a "vehicle of interest" in the homicide investigation.
New Mexico School Marks Year Since Deadly Shooting – Associated Press,
It's been a year since the community of Aztec in northwestern New Mexico was rocked by a deadly school shooting.
Mental health professionals have been sharing coping strategies as school employees are taking steps to help survivors and those affected by the Aztec High School shooting.
Francisco "Paco" Fernandez and Casey Jordan Marquez were fatally shot by a gunman who killed himself as authorities closed in.
The Daily Times in Farmington reports that psychologists and area therapists are urging anyone affected to find someone they trust to speak to about their feelings.
Principal Warman Hall said school staff members have been engaging with students since early September on how they would handle Friday's anniversary. The day included working on group art projects, talking with first responders and shortened class periods.
New Mexico Republican Party Votes On New Leadership – Associated Press
The New Mexico Republican Party is deciding on a new chairman after a long list of losses in the midterm election in November.
The GOP's state central committee was scheduled to meet Saturday in Albuquerque to choose between U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce and businessman John Rockwell.
Pearce is leaving Congress after he unsuccessfully ran for governor against Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham to succeed termed-out Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
Changes in party leadership respond to November losses by Republicans candidates in every race for statewide office, Congress and the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
Hundreds of Republican Party members are participating in the vote for a new chairman to succeed Ryan Cangiolosi. The party chairman oversees staff, coordinates fundraising and helps identify political candidates.
Search Warrant Eyed For New Mexico College Foundation Files –Associated Press, Las Vegas Optic
The New Mexico Attorney General's Office has filed a search warrant seeking bank records of a former executive director of a northern New Mexico foundation that raised money for community college students.
The Las Vegas Optic reports the office released a search warrant this week for bank records involving Gil Gonzalez, former executive director of the Luna Community College Foundation.
The search warrant was the latest piece in an investigation into allegations of money laundering, racketeering, fraud, forgery and embezzlement involving foundation.
The nonprofit, set up to raise funds for scholarships for Luna students, has been under investigation since the summer of 2016.
Gonzalez, who has not been charged, was removed by the Foundation Board of Trustees in November 2016 for failing to provide the board with financial records.
New Mexico State Parks Feature Weekend Luminaria Events –Associated Press
New Mexico state parks are hosting numerous events this weekend featuring luminarias, a Southwest holiday tradition.
State parks officials say the warm glow provided by thousands of burning candles known as luminarias will be on display at Elephant Butte Lake Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature community booths, carolers and a floating lights parade.
Similar events will be held Saturday at Pancho Villa State Park and Rockhound Park. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in Carlsbad on Saturday will host a program called "Holidays with the Animals."
Sugarite Canyon State Park will host "Christmas on the Chicorica" beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 15, featuring a stroll along Chicorica Creek on a path lit by 1,500 luminarias.
New Mexico Man Sentenced For Heroin Trafficking, Firearms – Associated Press
Authorities say an Albuquerque man has been sentenced to seven years and four months in federal prison for heroin trafficking and firearms charges.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico says 39-year-old Lawrence Marquez was sentenced Friday, and must serve an additional three years of probation following his release.
Marquez pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of distribution of heroin and one count of using and carrying a firearm during commission of a drug trafficking crime. The case was investigated by the Albuquerque offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations.
Judge Recuses Himself In Case Of Man Who Killed 5 As A Teen – Associated Press
A court spokesman says a New Mexico judge has recused himself from overseeing the case of a man who shot and killed five family members when he was 15.
Spokesman Sidney Hill confirmed that Children's Court Judge John Romero recused himself Friday, which previously had been set as the final day in a hearing to determine whether 21-year-old Nehemiah Griego should be sentenced as a juvenile or an adult.
Romero had been tasked with making the decision based on whether he believed Griego had proven receptive to years of psychological treatment while in the state's juvenile justice system.
In 2013, authorities say Griego fatally shot his parents and three young siblings at their home south of Albuquerque. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse resulting in death in 2015.
One Of New Mexico's Last Drive-In Theaters Is Set To Close – Associated Press, Carlsbad Current-Argus
One of New Mexico's last drive-in theaters is set to close.
The Carlsbad Current-Argus reports the owner of the Fiesta Drive-In Theater in Carlsbad, New Mexico, announced this week he was shutting down the decades-old landmark on Sunday after selling the property.
Owner Sidney Light says it was time to move on after keeping the theater open following the 2010 death of his father, Brad Light. He says his father started the drive-in as a hobby.
The Fiesta Drive-In was just one of two drive-ins still in operation in New Mexico.
The Fort Union Drive-In theater in Las Vegas, New Mexico, is still operating. That theater closed its screening season last month.