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CRIME
Sandoval County's cold cases get substantial update
Three of four people identified with DNA technology
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BERNALILLO — Sandoval County Sheriff's Office has made some big strides in its cold case files.
Detective Don Chewning delivered news of closure Jan. 27 in the cases of three unidentified deceased persons: They were identified.
"I'm happy to report that all but one of the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office UHR cases have been identified as of this date," he said.
Chewning said that cases can become dormant because traditional investigative methods have been exhausted by the departments doing the investigation.
"A primary reason is the lack of physical evidence or inability to analyze existing evidence with technology available at the time of the original investigation," he said.
Another reason is witnesses can be unreliable, move away or pass away. Sometimes there is a complete lack of witnesses in a case, according to Chewning.
SCSO Undersheriff Joe Gonzales said the identifications presented Tuesday happened within the last 18 months.
"I want to share now our twofold message. One, we are committed to identify anyone who was discovered deceased in our county, no exceptions. We want to know who they were. We want to get closure to the families, and if needed, we will seek justice for the deceased," he said.
"Number two, these cases are the priority and will not be ignored. Our expanded dedicated staff will use a combination of forensics, advanced technology and resources powered by law enforcement experience. We will find the answer, and if a crime has been committed, we will hold those responsible accountable."
County Manager Wayne Johnson reiterated that commitment as well, saying the county as vulnerable to cases like these, citing geographical issues. The county helps with budgetary needs from law enforcement.
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Chewning explained that using new technology can get expensive but the advancement of DNA technology has made it possible to resolve a few cases.
Steven Overton
Steven Overton was the most recent discovery in the Cibola National Forest. His skeletal remains were found Dec. 31, 2025, on Forest Loop Road in Placitas.
Chewning said SCSO assisted New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner in recovering the remains during a four-hour search.
"With the assistance of the sheriff's office, the search party located a Smith's grocery rewards card with an ID account number. Smith's informed us that the card was registered to Mr. Steven Overton," Chewning stated.
Overton was reported missing to the Albuquerque Police Department Aug. 23, 2022, he added.
They were able to identify the remains using Overton's dental records, he said. SCSO did not believe the death was suspicious in nature.
Chewning said they are looking information for Overton's movements before his disappearance and welcome additional information at 505-867-7350.
Hector Ramirez Jr.
A hunter discovered human remains in the Cibola National Forest on Oct. 24, 2025, east of the Sandia Mountains in a very remote area not utilized by hikers.
"Based on information we covered at the scene, New Mexico OMI and the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Services, we made a positive DNA match between Mr. Ramirez and his mother," Chewning said.
Ramirez was in New Mexico for a few years living as a homeless person, he said. There were reports of his whereabouts in Las Cruces, Navajo Nation and Albuquerque's West Side. His mother last saw him in El Paso, Texas, in 2017.
He disappeared shortly after being diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to Chewning.
"All evidence suggests that Hector may have become disoriented in the mountains and likely died from exposure," he said.
The Sandoval County Fire and Rescue K9 Team assisted in finding Ramirez. Capt. Shannon Farrell elaborated on the K9 role.
"Detective Chewning will call us on these cases, and he'll have us come, as he discovers information, he'll have us come do searches on them," she said. In such cases, she said, something could be found that would lead investigators to believe more is buried or scattered in the area. At that time, the dogs may be brought in to assist.
In Ramirez's case, the hunter found one of his bones, and SCFR was called to search the area for more remains that had been scattered.
Farrell said cases like this are exactly why handlers do the job.
"It's incredible. I mean, as a paramedic, going out and helping people, this is a different aspect of doing the same thing. You know, if there's any way we can help citizens, and especially in this manner, because it's kind of twofold. So, one, if we can find the remains? It'll bring some type of, I don't know if the word, closure, something where they're not wondering for years where their loved one is," she said.
Mini and Seamus were the two K9 units deployed to help with this case. Their reward was a game of fetch, according to Farrell.
Jeanette De La Cruz
Chewning was especially relieved to share that a 26-year-old case has been resolved.
In November 1999, female remains that had been impacted by animal scavenging were found on Cabezon Road approximately four miles west of San Ysidro.
"In June of 2025, with the assistance of Offram Labs of The Woodlands, Texas, these remains were positively identified as Jeanette De La Cruz by use of DNA. Jeanette's cause and manner of death were ruled undetermined at the time of her death," Chewning said.
She was last seen, at 19 years old, in Albuquerque on Oct. 20, 1999, with 44-year-old Fred Gronvall.
"Gronvall was an Albuquerque businessman who lived in Corrales. Jeanette's father, Christopher De La Cruz, filed a missing person to report with Corrales Police Department on Oct. 27, 1999, as he had not heard from Jeanette and was unable to locate her at work at the Gronvall residence," Chewning shared.
He said De La Cruz was a troubled youth who became addicted to illicit rugs in her mid- to late teens. One of Gronvall's associates, Derrick Smith, was also known to use illicit drugs, according to Chewning.
"After speaking with several witnesses and prior associates, it was determined that Jeanette likely died from a suspected heroin/cocaine overdose," he said.
Gronvall and Smith, who were interviewed as people of interest, admitted that she overdosed in a bathtub and they panicked. They drove to public land to bury her but were scared off by a vehicle that drove up.
There was not enough evidence and the case was considered too outdated for any prosecution against Gronvall and Smith, according to a Corrales update in December.
Unresolved Cases
Two high-profile cases remain unresolved, according to Chewning.
The first is the remains identified as former movie actor and wrestler Kimo Mahi. While the identification took the case to the next level, Mahi's whereabouts are still being investigated.
Chewning stated the case is considered suspicious.
The other case, an unidentified female case, has made more progress, however.
SCSO held an event to notify the public of "Sandoval Star," requesting people help with her identification. Chewning said an update on the case would be provided in the spring.
