Rio Rancho man shot, killed in Jarales

JARALES — A Sandoval County man was shot and killed in Jarales at the end of March after an apparent exchange of gunfire.

Valencia County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call shortly after 9 p.m. on Monday, March 31, after reports of gunfire at a home on the 200 block of Jarales Road. The residents at the house told the dispatcher people were outside the house, shooting them “in an apparent attempt to kill them,” according to a press release provided by the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office.

When deputies arrived, they found Kyle James Monongye, 32, of Sandoval County, lying on the road in front of the house. Monongye was unresponsive and had suffered a gunshot wound to the torso. He was still holding a loaded firearm, according to the press release.

Deputies disarmed him and began life-saving measures while calling for emergency medical assistance, including an air ambulance.

Efforts were unsuccessful and Monongye was pronounced dead at the scene.

After deputies secured the area, the residents of the home were detained for questioning. The man and woman were questioned and released, pending further investigation.

Authorities are not seeking any additional suspects related to this incident. No one has been charged in connection with Monongye’s death.

A search warrant for the residence and surrounding property was obtained by VCSO. Preliminary findings indicate multiple gunfire exchanges had taken place, with bullet casings recovered from both the roadway and the front porch of the home, according to the press release. Additional bullet impacts were found on the home’s exterior.

“Witness statements and initial evidence suggest that Mr. Monongye was the primary aggressor, initiating the exchange of gunfire from outside, while (the male resident) returned fire from near his doorway,” wrote VCSO Lt. Joseph Rowland in the release.

The New Mexico State Police Crime Scene Processing Unit was called in to assist with evidence collection, while the Office of the Medical Examiner took custody of Monongye’s body pending an autopsy.

Evidence from the scene was submitted to the New Mexico State Forensics Laboratory for further analysis. The 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office was consulted on the preliminary investigative findings.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Valencia County Sheriff’s Office Detective Edgar Erives at 505-866-2400.