Crime Stoppers of Eddy County

08/28/2026

Eddy County Sheriff’s Office makes arrest in Death Investigation
(Eddy County, New Mexico) Sheriff Matt Hutchinson reports that on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) responded to Capitan Reef Road where it crosses over the Pecos
River, in reference to an adult male, later identified as Nicholas Andres Lucero (42), who was unconscious and not breathing from apparent gunshot wounds. ECSO Detectives responded to the
scene and initiated an investigation in cooperation with the Office of the Medical Investigator.

Following an extensive investigation, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Eddy County Sheriff's Office Detectives arrested Shay Louis Perez (29) on the charges of voluntary manslaughter, tampering with evidence, and negligent use of a deadly weapon related to this investigation.

The criminal investigation is ongoing and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the ECSO Detective Division at 575-887-7551. You may also contact Eddy County Crime Stoppers with the option to remain anonymous. Tips can be submitted in one of three ways:
1.Call 575-887-1888 or toll-free 844-786-7227
2.Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3.Use the mobile app, P3 Tips

Send a message to learn more

08/25/2026

DATE: August 15, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Lieutenant Kane Wyatt

MEDIA RELEASE

Eddy County Sheriff's Office Investigating Death of Juvenile in Loving, NM

(Eddy County, New Mexico)

Sheriff Matthew Hutchinson reports that on Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Eddy County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) and Loving Police Department responded to a residence in the 200 block of North 6th Street, Loving, NM, in reference to a juvenile male who had sustained gunshot wounds. Upon arriving at the scene, Eddy County Fire and Rescue conducted life saving measures, but were unable to resuscitate him.

ECSO Detectives responded to the scene and initiated an investigation in cooperation with the Office of the Medical Investigator (OM). Detectives are currently pursuing several leads and are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Due to the age of the victim, no identifying information will be released. No further details are available at this time in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and respect the privacy of the juvenile and his family.

We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the ECSO Detective Division at 575-887-7551. You may also contact Eddy County Crime Stoppers with the option to remain anonymous.

Tips can be submitted in one of three ways:

1. Call 575-887-1888 or toll-free 844-786-7227
2. Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3.Use the mobile app, P3 Tips

07/30/2026

Crime of the Week
HOMICIDE
Carlsbad NM

Date: July 24th 2026
Location: 2300 Block of Missouri St., Carlsbad NM

On Friday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers with the Carlsbad Police Department responded to the 2300 block of Missouri Street in reference to a report of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, officers located 49-year-old Carlsbad resident Cory Gillett suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Gillett was transported to Carlsbad Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Detectives with the Carlsbad Police Department are actively investigating the incident and are pursuing multiple leads. At this time, no suspect has been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Carlsbad Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Cory Gillett during this difficult time.

Anyone with any information regarding this case is asked to call the Carlsbad Police Department
Detective Parker Johnson at (575) 885-2111 ext 2222 or the Carlsbad Police Department at 575-885-2111
ext 0. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers using one of the following .methods: Call (575) 887-1888 or toll-free (844) 786-7227, visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com, or use the mobile app P3 Tips.

Send a message to learn more

07/28/2026

🚨 REWARD ALERT! 🚨

Crime Stoppers of Eddy County has a reward ready to pay out for tip ending in 05.

Are you the tipster? Please check your P3 account right away!
Here's how to claim your reward:

1️⃣ Check the P3 App or Website:
Log in to the P3 mobile app and update your tip with your contact information. Or go to the secure website at eddycountycrimestoppers.com

2️⃣ Call Us Directly:
Call 844-786-7227 and tell the operator your tip number and contact information so we can contact you if the tip number is correct.

Send a message to learn more

07/18/2026

07/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eddy County Sheriff’s Office Update on July 4 Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation

Eddy County, NM – July 9, 2026

Sheriff Matthew Hutchinson reports, the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the hit-and-run crash that occurred on July 4, 2026, at the Six Mile Dam recreation area on Forni Road, ultimately resulting in the death of 42 year old Samanda Layman, of Carlsbad.

Through investigative efforts, the Eddy County Sheriffs Office Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit has identified 23 year old Miguel Angel Miranda Bermudez, date of birth 10/2/2002, (pictured below) as the individual believed to be responsible for the incident.

The Jeep driven in the incident is not outstanding and remains in the custody of the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office as investigators continue processing evidence and furthering their investigation.

The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who has information regarding Bermudez’s whereabouts or any additional information related to this investigation to contact the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. Even seemingly minor information may assist investigators in locating Bermudez.

Coordination efforts are ongoing with the Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the issuance of charging documents outlining numerous felony charges related to this investigation.

The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the community’s continued support and cooperation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and when it will not compromise the ongoing investigation.

Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers in one of three ways:

1. Call 575-887-1888 or toll-free 844-786-7227
2. Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3. Use the mobile app, P3 Tips

PIO Contact:
Captain Amy Dugas
575-361-4671
575-887-7551
[email protected]

07/08/2026

CRIME STOPPERS OF EDDY COUNTY
CRIME OF THE WEEK
July 6th – 11th, 2026
CRIME: LARCENY (Over $2,500 - $20,000) a 3rd Degree Felony
Criminal Damage of Property as a result of theft or attempted theft of regulated metals, a 4th Degree Felony

OCCURRED: May 22nd and May 30th, 2026
VICTIM: Waltersheid Farms
LOCATION: Area of 1400 block East Wood Avenue

Crime Stoppers of Eddy County and the Eddy County Sheriff is requesting your assistance in solving a Larceny ( $2,500 – $20,000) that occurred in the area of 1400 block East Wood Avenue.

On June 3, 2026, deputies responded to a report of vandalism and theft at a water pump site near the 1400 block of E. Wood Ave. Investigation revealed that unknown suspects stole approximately 120 feet of 4/0 AWG copper wire valued at approximately $2,500. The Suspects also caused over $30,000 worth of damage.

Security camera footage captured unidentified individuals at the location on dates between March 22, 2026, and May 30, 2026. The footage shows suspects tampering with the equipment and removing components from the site.

The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance with identifying persons involved in the theft. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office’s Southeast New Mexico Oilfield Theft Taskforce.

If you would like to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip to Crime Stoppers of Eddy County. A reward of up to $5,000.00 will be offered by Crime Stoppers of Eddy County for information that leads to the arrest of a suspect.

Tips can be submitted in one of three ways:

1. Call 575-887-1888 or toll-free 844-786-7227
2. Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com
3. Use the mobile app, P3 Tips

Eddy County Sheriff’s Office

Matthew Hutchinson
Sheriff

07/08/2026

Eddy County Sheriff's Office Seeking Public's Assistance in Hit-and-Run Investigation
Eddy County, NM – July 7, 2026

The Eddy County Sheriff's Office continues to actively investigate the hit-and-run crash that occurred on July 4, 2026, at approximately 10:50 p.m. at the Six-Mile Dam recreation area on Forni Road.

Investigators secured the suspect vehicle, a silver 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the night of the crash, and are actively pursuing multiple leads to identify and apprehend the driver following the service of multiple search warrants.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male who was last seen fleeing the scene on foot, running southeast from Forni Road. He was last seen wearing a turquoise polo shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes with blue designs.

The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who was in the area that evening, witnessed the incident, or has any information regarding the suspect's identity or whereabouts to come forward. Even the smallest detail could prove valuable information to investigators.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Eddy County Sheriff's Office or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers. Crimestoppers offers up to $5,000 in rewards for information that leads to arrest(s).
Tips can now be submitted in one of three ways:
1. Call (575) 887-1888
2. Call toll-free at (844) 786-7227 or
3. Visit eddycountycrimestoppers.com or download P3 Tips from Apple App Store or Google Play.

The Eddy County Sheriff's Office appreciates the public's assistance and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Send a message to learn more

07/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eddy County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Hit-and-Run Crash at Six Mile Dam

Eddy County, NM – July 5, 2026

On July 4, 2026, at approximately 10:50 p.m., deputies with the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Six Mile Dam area on Forni Road following reports of a vehicle striking multiple pedestrians.

The preliminary investigation indicates that an unidentified male driving a late-model SUV traveled through the area at a high rate of speed, striking multiple pedestrians and a parked vehicle before fleeing the scene on foot. The suspect was last seen running southeast from the crash scene and is described as a Hispanic male wearing a turquoise polo shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes with blue designs.

The suspect vehicle has been recovered and is currently in the custody of the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office as investigators continue to process evidence.

As a result of the collision, one pedestrian sucummbed to their injuries and the condition of others injured has not yet been released. Deputies are working diligently to identify and locate the driver.

This investigation remains active. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information regarding the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is encouraged to contact the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit at 575-887-7551. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

06/11/2026

Carlsbad Police Seek Assistance in Locating Person of Interest

Date: Monday, June 8, 2026
Location: 3700 block of Standpipe Rd. Carlsbad, NM

Through continued investigation involving a fatal hit and run, detectives have identified 26-year-old Artesia resident Edgar Ayala Flores as a person of interest in this case and are actively attempting to locate and speak with him regarding the investigation. The suspected vehicle involved in the crash has
been located and is being processed as evidence.

The Carlsbad Police Department asks anyone who recognizes, sees, and or knows where Edgar Ayala Flores who is shown in the attached photograph is, please contact the Carlsbad Police Department at (575) 885-2111 ext. 0. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (575) 887-1888 or
toll-free at (844) 786-7227, visiting eddycountycrimestoppers.com, or submitting a tip through the P3 Tips mobile application.