TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Court Grants Pretrial Detention in Murder of Army Veteran in Tres Piedras
Taos, NM — On Monday, September 16, the 8th Judicial District Court held a combined preliminary and detention hearing for David Degroat, who was arrested in connection with the murder of 25-year-old U.S. Army veteran Matthew McLaughlin in Tres Piedras.
“We are satisfied with the thorough investigation conducted by Taos County Sheriff’s Deputies Donovan Byers and Kevin McCarty, and with the court’s decision to protect the community by detaining the defendant,” said District Attorney Marcus Montoya. “Our office has been in communication with the U.S. Army, and commanding officers at Fort Benning have been informed of the charges and Degroat’s custody status.”
District Judge Emilio Chavez found that the State presented sufficient probable cause to charge Degroat with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence. The charges have been formally bound over to District Court.
Before Degroat’s initial appearance in Magistrate Court, Prosecutor Jonathan Gardner filed an expedited motion for pretrial detention, citing the brutal nature of the crime.
Judge Chavez granted the motion, referencing the violent nature of the offense, deliberate concealment, and Degroat’s demonstrated willingness to assist in a homicide rather than report or prevent it. “The nature of the offense, the strength of the evidence, the defendant’s role as an accessory in a premeditated murder with subsequent concealment, and his weak community ties collectively establish that no conditions of release can assure community safety or the defendant’s compliance,” Judge Chavez stated in his detention order.
On Sunday, August 17, Taos County Sheriff’s Deputies continued their investigation into McLaughlin’s missing person case, originally reported on July 31. McLaughlin, a Virginia native, brother to eight siblings, and Army veteran, had been living in Tres Piedras with two former unit members from Fort Benning, Georgia — Rainer Joiner (23) and David Degroat (22).
Deputies executed a search warrant at McLaughlin’s residence and detained both Joiner and Degroat. While in custody, Joiner confessed to fatally shooting McLaughlin and, with Degroat’s assistance, dismembering and disposing of the remains along U.S. Highway 64 near Tres Piedras. Codefendant Rainer Joiner was arraigned in District Court last week, with a trial scheduled for next year. David Degroat’s arraignment will be scheduled within the next 15 days.
DETENTION ORDER FOR DAVID DEGROAT
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Monday, August 25, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
District Attorney Files Motion for Pretrial Detention of Jonah Ward
Taos, NM — August 25, 2025 — The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has filed a pre-trial detention motion in Taos Magistrate Court seeking to detain Jonah Ward without bond following his arrest in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Ramiro Quezada in El Prado, NM.
“The nature of the allegations in this case—particularly the brazen and dangerous circumstances surrounding the shooting—make it clear the need for asking the court to detain the accused,” said District Attorney Marcus Montoya. “That’s why my office filed the motion for pretrial detention.”
Jonah Ward faces multiple charges, including:
First-Degree Murder
Aggravated Battery
Assault with Intent to Commit a Violent Felony
Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle
Two Counts of Child Abuse
Assault and Battery
If convicted, Ward could face life imprisonment or 30 years in prison, depending on the final charges and sentencing.
Prosecutor Donald Gallegos filed the expedited Rule 5-409 motion and notified Magistrate Judge Ernest Ortega, citing the severity of the charges and the significant risk to public safety. Judge Ortega acknowledged the District Attorney’s intent to pursue pretrial detention, and the Magistrate Court has referred the case to District Court. A combined preliminary and detention hearing will be scheduled within 8 to 10 business days.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Blue Bus Shooting: Alleged Getaway Driver Waives Preliminary Hearing, Arraignment Pending
Taos, NM – The Office of the District Attorney is proceeding with charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and resisting arrest against Sijifredo Palomino, the alleged getaway driver in the June 9 Blue Bus shooting that resulted in the death of Leroy Rodriguez.
On Wednesday, July 16, Mr. Palomino waived his preliminary hearing in District Court. As a result, the District Attorney’s Office will file a Criminal Information in accordance with court rules. Mr. Palomino is expected to be arraigned within the next 11 days.
He remains in custody on a probation violation stemming from an unrelated case.
"We are working diligently to have this individual remain in custody. To that end, we are pursuing both a motion to hold this individual in custody until trial on the June 9 shooting case and a motion to revoke probation on a separate case. Public safety remains a top priority for the 8th Judicial District Attorney's Office,” said Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Gardner.
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Wednesday, July 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Guilty Verdict Secured in Aggravated DWI Case Involving San Juan County Deputy DA
Taos, NM – On Wednesday, July 16, the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office secured a guilty verdict in the aggravated DWI case against San Juan County Deputy District Attorney Dustin O’Brien. The case, originally from the 11th Judicial District, was reassigned due to a conflict of interest.
Mr. O’Brien was charged in September 2024 after crashing his vehicle into a wall, fleeing the scene, and refusing a blood alcohol test. Deputy District Attorney Harvey Means prosecuted the case in a bench trial before Judge Thomas Pestak, who found Mr. O’Brien guilty.
“Farmington law enforcement demonstrated professionalism and integrity in handling this sensitive matter. A big shout-out to them for their collaboration — with their help, we were able to keep justice blind,” said DDA Harvey Means.
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Monday, July 14, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Voluntary Manslaughter Retrial for Josie Ortega Set for August 18, 2025
Taos, NM – On Monday, July 14, District Court Judge Jeffery Shannon held a pre-trial hearing in the retrial of Josie Ortega, whose voluntary manslaughter case ended in a hung jury in December 2024. Following a missed court appearance in January 2025, Ms. Ortega was arrested on March 18, 2025, after the State moved to revoke her conditions of release.
Although the State initially sought to begin the retrial on July 21, 2025, defense counsel requested a supplemental juror questionnaire, and the court granted the continuance and rescheduled the trial for August 18, 2025. Judge Shannon ordered Ms. Ortega released to third-party custody pending trial.
"The State continues to work towards a re-trial in this case to present the facts before a jury. The path is not always straight, but that should not deter anyone from pursuing justice.” said Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Gardner.
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Tuesday, July 1, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Martin Palomino Detained: District Judge Upholds DA’s Motion to Detain Suspect Charged in Blue Bus Shooting
Taos, NM — Yesterday afternoon, a District Court judge granted the State of New Mexico’s motion to detain Martin Palomino without bond, following his arrest in connection with the fatal shooting aboard a Blue Bus earlier this month.
Palomino is charged with first-degree willful and deliberate murder, as well as conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, stemming from the June 9 incident that resulted in the death of Leroy Rodriguez. Prosecutor Jonathan Gardner of the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office filed an expedited motion under Rule 5-409, citing the brazen nature of the crime and significant concerns for public safety.
District Judge Jeffery Shannon ruled in favor of the motion, determining that Palomino poses a substantial risk to the community and ordering his pretrial detention without bond.
A pretrial detention and preliminary hearing for the co-defendant in the case, Sijifredo Palomino, is scheduled for July 16 at the 8th Judicial District Courthouse in Taos.
The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue this case with the utmost diligence as part of its ongoing mission to serve justice and protect the people of Taos County.
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Monday, June 23, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jared Hedges Indicted by Taos County Grand Jury for Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor
Taos, NM — A Taos County Grand Jury has indicted Jared Hedges on two felony charges: one count of Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor in the First Degree and one count of Criminal Sexual Penetration of a Minor in the Second Degree.
If convicted, the first-degree charge carries a penalty of up to 18 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine. The second-degree charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 3 years that cannot be suspended or deferred, and/or a $12,500 fine.
Background:
On March 21, 2025, Taos County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report from a residence in Taos Ski Valley. The caller alleged that their minor stepson had been sexually assaulted by an adult at the location. Deputies detained Jared Hedges at the scene and charged him with criminal sexual penetration of a minor.
On April 17, 2025, the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office dismissed the case without prejudice to allow for further investigation and the collection of additional evidence. The case was presented to the Grand Jury, resulting in the current indictment.
The indictments were filed in the 8th Judicial District Court on June 18, 2025. An arraignment has been scheduled by District Judge Jeffrey Shannon at the Taos District Court for July 8, 2025, at 10:45am.
The defendant is presumed innocent under the law unless and until convicted in a court of law.
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Friday, May 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
District Attorney Opens Case into Pet's Death in Questa, NM
Taos, NM — The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has received an initial report from the Questa Police Department regarding the death of a dog on Thursday, May 8, in Questa, New Mexico.
District Attorney Marcus Montoya has officially opened a case and appointed a prosecutor to review the circumstances surrounding the incident. The DA’s Office is awaiting further investigative findings from the Questa Police Department before determining whether criminal charges are warranted.
“Our office is committed to upholding the laws that protect the safety and well-being of all New Mexicans, including their pets,” said District Attorney Montoya. “When our pets suffer harm or a violent death, it can feel like the loss of a family member. Emotions run high, and the desire for justice is strong. It is our duty to uncover the facts and, if a crime has occurred, to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law”.
Under New Mexico law, acts of extreme or malicious cruelty to animals are classified as fourth-degree felonies.
The District Attorney’s Office urges anyone with information about the incident to contact the Questa Police Department. Tips can be submitted via the department’s non-emergency line at (575) 586-1196. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE IN PDF
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Thursday, May 15, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
JURY CONVICTS CLAYTON MAN OF AGGRAVATED BATTERY AND BREAKING AND ENTERING
Clayton, NM - On Monday, May 12, 2025, a jury of his peers convicted Albert Craine of Aggravated Battery Against a Household Member and Breaking and Entering at the Union County District Courthouse in Clayton, New Mexico. During the jury trial, Assistant District Attorney Jason Montclare proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Craine broke into the home of his ex-girlfriend and seriously injured her. The prosecution of this case reflects the 8th Judicial District Attorney Marcus Montoya’s commitment to protect the citizens of Clayton. At the conclusion of the case, the Honorable Judge Steven A. Romero held Mr. Craine without bond pending a final sentencing hearing. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FULL PRESS RELEASE IN PDF
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and the Clayton Police Department announce the charging of convicted sex offender Abel Villareal of Clayton, New Mexico, for failing to register as a sex offender in Union County as required by law. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL PRESS RELEASE IN PDF