In the quiet community of Aztec, New Mexico, the life of 67-year-old Richard Patterson came to an abrupt and violent end on the evening of January 21, 2024. Deputies from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to his residence on County Road 3016 following a distressing 911 call from a family member, reporting a possible shooting.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement discovered a grim scene. Richard Patterson was found lying on the floor, alive but with a gunshot wound.
The only other individual present at the home was his wife, 69-year-old Lucia E. Naranjo. Emergency medical services were immediately rendered, and Patterson was transported to the San Juan Regional Medical Center for life-saving measures. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 8:58 PM.
The investigation into the shooting quickly focused on Naranjo. It was revealed that prior to the 911 call made by a relative, Naranjo had contacted members of her own family and confessed to shooting her husband, urging them to contact the authorities. Following this information, she was detained and taken to the San Juan County Sheriff's Office for questioning.
Lucia Naranjo was subsequently arrested and is facing charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. During the investigation, detectives noted what appeared to be blood spatter in her hair and on her clothing. After her arrest, she reportedly showed no emotion or remorse when informed of her husband's death. The case has since been moving through the legal system, with court proceedings addressing Naranjo's conditions of release and her mental competency to stand trial.
