2023’s most-viewed crime stories at rrobserver.com

The following stories were the most viewed crime stories written by the Rio Rancho Observer from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.

1. Victim, suspect identified in Sunday homicide (12,469 views) and Police activity closes down theater area (12,281)

This pair of stories — one the initial report and one the followup — detail how Matthew Chavez surrendered to officers Feb. 5 after driving around with dead girlfriend in car. Both the prosecutor and the defendant found that Chavez is not competent and is too dangerous to be put on trial. A hearing deciding if this is accurate is set for Jan. 17.

2. Man arrested for killing two people living on his property (15,553 views)

The Rio Rancho Police Department arrested Elbert Turner June 30 for murder of an engaged couple and three counts tampering with evidence. A jury selection for Turner’s murder trial will take place on December 2, 2024.

3. Two arrested at Smith’s for stolen vehicle (15,257 views)

Valerie Kosel and Isaac Grimm were arrested March 11 for stealing a vehicle, possession of drugs and trafficking said drugs. Both cases were dismissed without prejudice in April this year.

4. Deputy faces child porn charge (11,598 views)

Sandoval County detective Robert Strand was accused of possessing child pornography in 2022. Strand was indicted by a grand jury and has a docket call hearing coming up on Jan. 18.

5. Woman punched in the face twice over marijuana discount (9,415 views)

David Ekvixaysack reportedly punched a woman in the face twice at PurLife on Golf Course Road over a marijuana discount in 2022. Ekvixaysack was charged with a misdemeanor and has a pre-trial meeting set for Feb. 6.

6. Breaking: Large police activity at Serena and Meadowlark (8,090 views)

An Observer reporter responded to large police activity at Serena and Meadowlark on May 10. It was found on May 11 that Peter Ryan Lynch had a federal warrant out for his arrest because he reportedly violated his bond conditions by removing his court-ordered ankle monitor and leaving a halfway house on May 7. He was initially accused of possession of pipe bombs. It is unknown if any legal action was taken in this case.

7. Details revealed in April 5 homicide (7,755 views)

An elderly man by the name of Henry Cardana was arrested for the murder of a woman in hospice who was in his care after telling a neighbor, “Call the police. I killed her.” Cardana was indicted by a grand jury and will be subject to a docket call hearing Jan. 18.

8. Breaking: Active shooter at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort (7,700 views)

Police received a call saying there was an active shooter at Tamaya Resort on April 10. The incident was treated as a hoax as no bodies, injured people or a shooter were located.

9. Women busted for Walgreens shoplifting; police find fentanyl, meth, coke, heroin (6,544 views)

Angel Cordova and Dominique Armijo were arrested March 30 for shoplifting and multiple counts of possession of drugs. Cordova was issued a bench warrant as she did not appear for her hearing in May. Armijo was convicted for a short sentence but according to court records had been arrested for more drug charges through August.

10. Breaking: Police involved in fatal shooting (6,137 views)

Daemen Perea was shot and killed by police in an altercation on Jan. 31 after he brandished a gun in his apartment complex. The officers involved have not been named, and no legal action has been taken.