GRANTS, N.M. – On October 21, 2025, a preliminary investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was conducted to determine the events that unfolded leading to a homicide. As result, Adrian Murrietta has been charged with Second Degree Murder - Accessory (second degree felony) and Tampering with Evidence [Highest Crime a Capital, First or Second Degree Felony] (third degree felony), Dominic Jaramillo is being charged with Second Degree Murder (second degree felony), Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle - Great Bodily Harm (second degree felony), and Tampering with Evidence [Highest Crime a Capital, First or Second Degree Felony] (third degree felony), and the death of Myron Sandoval.
According to New Mexico State Police and Grants Police Department news releases, around 10:00 p.m., a blue Nissan SUV occupied by Myron Sandoval (18) and his family pulled into a stall at the store’s fuel pumps. On the opposite side of the pump was a white Chevrolet sedan occupied by Adrian Murrietta (26), and Dominic Jaramillo (23).
According to surveillance footage and witness statements, Sandoval and a companion exited the SUV and walked toward the store, during which an exchange of hostile looks reportedly occurred between Sandoval and Murrieta, with the latter reportedly doing confrontational gestures. Moments after this exchange, Murrietta reportedly approached the two, as Sandoval walked back towards the fuel pumps, leading to a confrontation between Sandoval and Murrietta. According to information obtained from NMSP, during this confrontation, Jaramillo was allegedly standing at the passenger side of the sedan, when Sandoval allegedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at Murrietta, leading Jaramillo and Sandoval to allegedly exchange gunfire. After this exchange, Jaramillo and Murrietta reportedly fled the scene.
Emergency medical service (EMS) arrived shortly after the incident and rendered aid to Sandoval, who sustained a gunshot wound. However, while on the way to the aircraft medical transport was being prepared at Milan Airport, Sandoval succumbed to his injuries.
At approximately 10:08 p.m., the City of Grants Police Department was notified of “shots fired.” Due to the nature and seriousness of the call, personnel from the GPD responded to assist the MPD at the scene with the on-scene investigation. Officers aided in attempting to locate the suspects’ vehicle, maintaining a crime scene log, and providing support to Cibola County Fire & Rescue and the Village of Milan Volunteer Fire Department until the scene was formally turned over to the NMSP.
On October 22, the NMSP Tactical Team executed a search warrant at a residence, resulting in the arrest of Adrian Murrietta. Following Murrietta’s arrest, Dominic Jaramillo turned himself in on October 23.
This case remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police. Adrian Murrietta’s motion hearing will take place on November 3, 2025, while Dominic Jaramillo’s first appearance hearing was held on October 24, 2025.
The Cibola Citizen will continue to report on this incident as information and reports emerge.