Ivan Luevano, a 29-year-old resident of Clovis, New Mexico, tragically lost his life on October 10, 2021, after being shot multiple times. The incident occurred at his residence, located at 125 El Camino in Clovis. On the day of the incident, officers from the Clovis Police Department responded to a call regarding a gunshot victim and found Ivan Luevano severely injured.
Despite being transported to the Plains Regional Medical Center Luevano succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Luevano's death, conducted by the Major Crimes Unit, revealed a complex and premeditated crime. It was discovered that Beatrice Rivera, who knew that Luevano was selling marijuana out of his residence and was in possession of a significant amount of marijuana and cash, played a pivotal role in the events leading to his murder. Rivera contacted her relative, Victor Quintanilla, a 32-year-old resident of Clovis, and informed him about Luevano's activities. Quintanilla then recruited David Valdez from Lubbock, Texas, and together they planned to steal the marijuana and cash from Luevano's residence.
On the day of the incident, Beatrice Rivera directed Quintanilla and Valdez to Luevano's residence. After she left the area, Quintanilla and Valdez proceeded to Luevano's home to carry out the robbery. When Luevano refused to hand over the money and drugs, a scuffle ensued, and David Valdez shot Luevano three to four times. Following the shooting, Quintanilla and Valdez fled the scene, returning to Lubbock with the stolen marijuana and a small amount of cash.
The suspects were eventually apprehended in different locations. Victor Quintanilla was arrested in Lubbock, Texas, while David Valdez, the shooter, was arrested in Oklahoma City. The arrest of Valdez was facilitated by detectives from Oklahoma who verified his identity as the suspect wanted for Luevano's murder.
In the aftermath of the arrests, the suspects faced legal consequences for their roles in Luevano's death. Beatrice Rivera was previously convicted of Accessory to 2nd Degree Murder and sentenced to 12 years in the Department of Corrections for her involvement in planning the theft. Victor Quintanilla was convicted of Accessory to 2nd Degree Murder and Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer. He was sentenced to 17 years in the Department of Corrections, with a requirement to serve at least 15 years before being eligible for parole.
David Valdez, who is currently in custody on federal charges, is awaiting prosecution for First Degree Murder. The Ninth Judicial District Attorney's Office is in the process of returning Valdez to Clovis, New Mexico, to face trial for his role in Luevano's murder.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brett Carter, and Quintanilla was represented by Criminal Defense Attorney Keren Fenderson of Albuquerque. The sentencing was presided over by the Honorable Benjamin Cross.
