SANTA FE, NM – Attorney General Raúl Torrez, accompanied by McKinley County Sheriff James Maiorano III, Valencia County Sheriff Denise Vigil and Santa Fe Chief of Police Paul Joye, announced the creation of the first-ever dedicated Cold Case Unit at the New Mexico Department of Justice.
“Not knowing what happened, not having answers, that’s the hardest thing for a victim’s family and I want them to know that we will do everything in our power to deliver justice, no matter how long it takes,” said AG Torrez. “This unit is already working with law enforcement agencies across the state, and I encourage every member of the public and every agency, big or small, to reach out and partner with us to try and solve any outstanding homicide and sexual assault cases that have gone cold.”
The New Mexico Department of Justice has already accepted six cases from across the state and working closely with local investigators, are utilizing the most advanced techniques in forensic genetic genealogy to try and generate new leads.
The Unit has three, full-time, sworn law enforcement agents that are currently reviewing and investigating six cases, two cases from the 1980s, three from the 1990s and one from the 2010s. The list of cases can be found on our website.
Three victims out of the six cold cases we have in our new Unit were highlighted in today’s press conference, Erilaina Chavez of McKinley County, Annie Tapia of Santa Fe and Jack Elkins of Valencia County. Chavez was shot and found on the side of the road in 2017, Tapia was found dead in a local Santa Fe business where she worked in 1995, and Elkins, Valencia County Sheriff from 1967-1971, was found shot behind his home in 1992.
Those interested in submitting a tip about one of the cases our Unit has accepted are encouraged to call our tipline at 505570-5244 or email the team at coldcase@nmag.gov.