News

Tony “Nacho” Gonzales was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2021 fatal shooting of 29-year-old Jose Diaz in Roswell. Convicted of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence, Gonzales will serve about 13 years after credit for time served. His attorney plans to appeal, citing insufficient evidence. родствен

Chaves County commissioners voted 3-2 to place a proposed five-year, 0.125% local-option gross receipts tax on the November ballot. If approved, the measure would raise the county rate to 6.39% and generate an estimated $2 million annually for economic development projects, including site preparation and public works. Supporters cite growth; opponents warn of added costs.

New Mexico officials proposed new oilfield methane rules, including a “super emitter” program allowing certified third parties to report leaks of at least 50 kilograms per hour and requiring operators to investigate and repair them. The proposal also mandates zero-emission electric pneumatic pumps by 2031, but oil and gas leaders object to the shortened timeline.

The FBI has joined a local investigation into the deaths of three transient men found in the Roswell area in June and July. Authorities are seeking tips about possible links between the killings of Kent Hoffman, Andrew Lujan-Huerta and Karl Affsprung, all of whom were found dead in separate locations, some with gunshot wounds.

An environmental group has appealed a federal court ruling that vacated endangered species protections for the dunes sagebrush lizard, a tiny species native to the Permian Basin in New Mexico and Texas. The fight centers on whether federal safeguards are needed to curb oil and gas development and prevent the lizard’s extinction.

Roswell city council has placed a proposed 0.25% local option gross receipts tax increase on the November ballot, asking voters to approve a 10-year LEDA tax expected to raise about $4.5 million annually for economic development. Councilors also moved to prepare an ordinance if it passes, while residents voiced concerns about higher taxes and rising living costs.

Roswell residents and police clashed over automatic license plate readers used to help issue traffic tickets and support investigations. At a tense city council meeting, officials heard concerns about surveillance and privacy, while police defended the cameras as public safety tools with safeguards. Supporters cited their role in solving a murder case.

Roswell police arrested 22-year-old Manny Page Trujillo Jr. in connection with a shooting outside Planet Fitness that injured Daniel Yanez in the leg. Prosecutors are seeking pretrial detention without bail after investigators linked Trujillo Jr. to a gold-barreled 9mm pistol and a Toyota sedan found at the scene.

Single-lane closures with a pilot car from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A $1.74 million roadway rehabilitation project on U.S. 380 east of Roswell, is...

The Roswell City Council unanimously approved Riley Armstrong to fill the Ward 2 seat vacated by Will Cavin, who is leaving to join the Chaves County Board of Commissioners. Armstrong, a local associate broker and longtime civic volunteer, will be sworn in Monday and serve the remainder of Cavin’s term through December 2027.

After public scoping, a 30-day public comment period will be opened amid publication of an environmental assessment. Next will be a protest period where those opposed to the sale can submit their final comments.

The full council is expected to hear public comment and then vote on a resolution Monday that would place a 0.25% local-option gross receipts tax for economic development on the ballot in the Nov. 3 General Election. The meeting will take place at Roswell City Hall, 425 N. Richardson Ave., following an Infrastructure Committee meeting scheduled for 2 p.m.