On the evening of June 17, 2023, the life of 34-year-old Joshua B. Montoya was tragically cut short in the community of Chimayo, New Mexico. A lifelong resident of nearby La Puebla, he was a beloved father of nine children, known for his infectious smile and generous spirit. He had a passion for working on cars, particularly lowriders, and enjoyed attending car shows and riding his Harley.
Earlier that evening, New Mexico State Police had been called to a residence on County Road 101,
where Montoya and another man, Ray Martinez, were engaged in a verbal argument. The two men lived in separate houses on the same property. Officers de-escalated the situation and sent both men to their respective homes. However, sometime after the police departed, another altercation erupted, this time with fatal consequences.
When officers returned to the scene, they discovered Montoya inside his home with a gunshot wound to the head. The investigation that followed indicated that after the shooting, Ray Martinez and his wife had fled the property, prompting authorities to issue a lookout for their vehicle. It was also noted by investigators that both Montoya and Martinez were convicted felons and were legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
In a subsequent development, Ray Martinez surrendered to the New Mexico State Police. He was arrested and booked into the Rio Arriba County Detention Center. Martinez was charged with first-degree murder and a second or subsequent offense of child abuse, specifically for placing a child in a dangerous situation. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau has taken charge of the ongoing homicide investigation.
