rio arriba county

An autopsy revealed that rio arriba county Sheriff Billy Merrifield died from the combined toxic effects of fentanyl and alcohol after being found in his patrol vehicle on Easter morning. The death, ruled accidental, highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in the Espanola Valley, where fentanyl is increasingly prevalent.

An autopsy revealed that rio arriba county Sheriff Billy Merrifield died from the combined toxic effects of fentanyl and alcohol after being found in his patrol vehicle following a crash. The death, ruled accidental, highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in the Espanola Valley, where fentanyl is increasingly prevalent. His death adds to New Mexico's high rate of opioid-related fatalities.

A man was shot during a protest against the installation of a statue of a Spanish conquistador in New Mexico. The statue, depicting Juan de Onate, a controversial figure in the state's history, had been removed from public view due to protests in 2020. The reinstallation was postponed due to planned protests, but a scuffle broke out at the site, resulting in the shooting. The suspect, wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat, has been identified as Ryan Martinez.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency in rio arriba county, New Mexico, due to escalating violence and drug trafficking, particularly driven by fentanyl. The declaration allocates $750,000 to bolster local law enforcement and emergency management. This action follows rising concerns from local and tribal leaders about the overwhelming impact on communities and resources.