Death of inmate spurs scrutiny of Taos jail hiring
The death of Joaquin Gonzales in the Taos County jail in November 1999 has become a symbol of alleged governance failures. Centered on jail guard Chris Trujillo, accused of drinking on shift and beating inmates, the case notes his retention due to political ties. Witnesses recall screams and the plea I cant breathe before Gonzales died. A federal suit claims he should not have been jailed that day given his epilepsy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Taos County
Chris Trujillo
County Commission
Manuel “Pablito
Trujillo
Alex
Joe
Brad Hall
Gonzales
Joaquin Gonzales
Taos High claims District 2-AAA softball title
Angelica Montoya Judith Gallegos lead Taos High School softball squad to first district championship by defeating St Michael’s at Bomber Field on May 6. The team also attended prom later that day in coordinated dresses, symbolizing their strong friendship and multi sport talents across softball basketball track and soccer.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Angelica Montoya
Taos High School
Judith Gallegos
Los Alamos
St. Michael's
Montoya
Gallegos
Stephanie Marquez
Crystal Cantu
Eva Senitt
Lauren Ely
Angela Piper
Questa police officer sued over alleged abuse and wrongful arrest
A federal lawsuit filed May 8 in district court accuses Questa police officer Chris Oskins and Police Chief Frank Gallegos of unlawful arrest excessive force and false imprisonment against Mark Sumner a Questa resident. Sumner says Oskins out of uniform shoved him to the ground bashed his head kneeled on his back and handcuffed him after an argument near Stop & Go Bar. He alleges lack of medical care and prosecution without probable cause and seeks damages. The suit names hiring supervision and training failures by Gallegos and follows local protests and petitions urging Oskins firing. officials defend his action and community groups like Concerned Citizens to Stop Police Abuse had pressed for accountability. Sumner was reportedly part of that group.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Questa
Chris Oskins
Frank Gallegos
Mark Sumner
Sumner
Oskins
Taos County
Sam Herrera
Holy Cross Hospital
Gallegos
Manuel Romero Sr
Manuel Romero
Jose
Joe) Cisneros
Father seeks justice in Taos jail death as family recalls Joaquin Gonzales
Willie Gonzales speaks of his other children and insists son Joaquin Gonzales did not die of natural causes. He describes his family as well set up and calls for a criminal case after a civil settlement in the Taos County jail death. He asks for Highth Judicial District Attorney John Paternoster’s contact to pursue action.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Willie Gonzales
Joaquin Gonzales
Taos County
Gonzales
Jack
Joaquin
Jack” Gonzales
John Paternoster
Highth Judicial District
Drier conditions in Carson National Forest amid Cerro Grande fire
Fire restrictions in the Carson National Forest were raised to Level Two as fires rage near Los Alamos and Ruidoso. Officials cite lack of precipitation, high winds, and dry fuels, with 3,000 acres burned near Los Alamos and 5,000 near Ruidoso. Carson crews assist Cerro Grande response.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marcus Trujillo
Carson National Forest Fire Management
Los Alamos
Ruidoso
Trujillo
Carson
Lincoln National Forest
Cerro Grande
Madrid’s grand jury petition blocked by attorney general
Attorney General Patricia Madrid removed her office from assisting a citizen initiated grand jury that would probe Taos County finances. County officials welcomed the move calling it the first appropriate action in the case. County manager Robert Dale Morrison had threatened to remove Madrid over ties to Taos residents who started the petition. Organizers said they understood her stance. MADRID, Page A3
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Patricia Madrid
Taos County
Robert Dale Morrison
Madrid
Democrats prepare for long awaited Taos County vote
Democrats in Taos County set six polling sites for a May 16 precinct election after internal disputes delayed the vote. A county meeting is planned for May 20 as Diane Denish urges unity while longtime chair Frank R. Trujillo disputes his status and alignment with the party.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Taos County
Democratic Party
Diane Denish
Trujillo
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mik
E Stauffer
Questa Police
Byrnez Russell
The
Taos
Mathis
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