DA to Seek Death for Two in Rio Grande Tragedy
Taos County men David Sandoval and Luis Acosta face first degree murder kidnapping and conspiracy charges for beating strangling and throwing Erik Sanchez off the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge last month. DA John Paternoster argues kidnapping adds the aggravating factor for the death penalty and seeks to deny bond pending trial as a Wednesday hearing looms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Eighth Judicial District
John Paternoster
Erik Sanchez
Espafiola
Rio Grande “Gorge
Sanchez
Paternoster
Franklin Sanchez
David Sandoval
Luis Acosta
Taos County
Peggy Nelson
New Mexico
Taos
Sandoval
Acosta
Death at Rio Grande Gorge prompts Taos murder arrest
Taos County Sheriff-elect Charlie Martinez described a brutal murder in which 18 year old Erik Sanchez was killed after being carjacked. Two suspects, David Sandoval and Luis Acosta, 23 and 19, confessed to kidnapping, conspiracy and two counts of armed robbery. Their arrests followed a cross border manhunt that located the victim’s car in Palomas, Mexico.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Erik Sanchez
Rio Grande Gorge
Espafiola
Taos County
Charlie Martinez
Martinez
David Sandoval
Luis Acosta
Taos County Detention Center
Sandoval
Ranchos de Taos
Rodarte
Acosta
Taos
Deming
Palomas
Chihuahua
Taos murder suspects wield troubled pasts in Taos
Jonathan McDonald reports Sandoval and Acosta, longtime Taos residents, face first degree murder charges after an 18 year old was killed at Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Neighbors describe mixed temperaments. anonymity shields names from those interviewed as officials pursue the case and detail remains unclear.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sandoval
April Sandoval
Rodarte
Big cities lure small town cops from Taos and beyond
Albuquerque Police Department seeks 130 to 150 experienced officers, ideally certified by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Agency, to fill openings at $14.66 to $19.25 per hour. Taos Police start at $8.50 and Taos County Sheriff’s $10.35, though Taos officials say none earn that low. Deputy Chief Sal Baragiola argues staffing shift is logical for Albuquerque.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Albuquerque
New Mexico
Parents rally to keep La Cienega open in Questa district fight
More than 70 parents and students packed a public forum as Questa Independent School District weighs closing La Cienega Elementary to save money. Superintendent Lopez then urged keeping the school open after strong parent turnout. Board later voted to maintain La Cienega, citing safety, aging facilities, and district deficits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Questa
la Cienega
Alta Vista
Paula Trujillo
Nelson Lopez
Questa Independent
Lopez
Bennie Gallegos
Alta Vista Pto
Questa High School
Mae
Also Mentioned on This Page
Bud Sandavan
Fede
Afeghe
Megan Bowars
Los Alamos
Luna County
Sheriff’s Department
Megan Bowers
Jonathan McDonald
The
Taos News
Rio Grands Gorge
Winsseeas
B? the
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