GRANTS, N.M. – Jury trial is now underway in State of New Mexico v. Danny Stanfield, the 2009 homicide case connected to the deaths of Clyde “Sonny Jim” James and rancher Wayne Johnson, near San Rafael.
According to court records, the trial began Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, and is scheduled to continue through Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. each day in Grants District Court at the Cibola County Courthouse. The case (D-1333CR-200900229) is being heard before JudgeAmanda Sanchez Villalobos.
Stanfield is charged with two counts of firstdegree murder (willful and deliberate) under NMSA 30-2-1(A)(1), attempt to commit a felony, and bribery of a witness (intimidate/threat/bribe). All charges stem from the events of Oct. 23, 2009 where Stanfield allegedly shot two men.
The case has remained active in the court system since November 2009 and was delayed for years by competency evaluations and treatment orders. Court records show a stipulated order finding the defendant competent was filed March 26, 2025, allowing the case to proceed toward trial.
A motion hearing was held Jan. 8, 2026, ahead of jury selection and trial.
The Cibola Citizen will continue to follow the proceedings as testimony and evidence are presented this week in Cibola County.