SJCSO Arrests Suspect for Murder

San Juan County, NM – The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 69-year-old Lucia E. Naranjo for the charges of murder in the 2^nd degree (a 2^nd degree felony resulting in the death of a human being) and tampering with evidence (highest crime committed is a capital, 1^st or 2^nd degree felony).

On January 21^st, 2024, Deputies with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence of 15 County Road 3016, Aztec, NM 87410, in response to a possible shooting that occurred. Deputies arrived on scene and discovered 67-year-old Richard Patterson lying on the floor with a gunshot wound. The only other person on scene was Lucia Naranjo, Patterson’s wife. Patterson was still alive and transported immediately to San Juan Regional Medical Center and provided with life-saving measures. At approximately 8:58 PM, Patterson succumbed to the gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased.

Lucia Naranjo was detained and taken to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. Through the investigation, we learned that Naranjo made communication with several members of her family stating that she shot her husband and to call 911. A family member called 911 after speaking with Naranjo.

Sufficient evidence was obtained to secure an arrest warrant and Naranjo was charged with murder in the 2^nd degree (a 2^nd degree felony resulting in the death of a human being) as well as tampering with evidence (highest crime committed is a capital, 1^st or 2^nd degree felony).