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Michael Barela

Death by Force
Case Description
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On March 29, 2021, Michael Barela, a 59-year-old resident of Petaca, New Mexico, lost his life to gun violence. The incident occurred outside a home on New Mexico State Road 519 in Petaca.

The Rio Arriba Sheriff's Office investigated the shooting and subsequently charged Bonita Burkeimer, a 43-year-old individual, for the fatal shooting of Michael Barela. According to the investigation, Burkeimer was identified as the perpetrator who shot and killed Barela outside the mentioned residence. ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (10)
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  • Santa Fe New Mexican: Two charged in pair of fatal shootings
  • Michael Barela Obituary 2021 - DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory
    •     ...View 8 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Michael Barela

    Male

    Hispanic / Latino

    Petaca

    NM

    2021-03-29

    59

    Michael

    Barela

    11/05/2025

    Forum Posts (2)
    I’ve been following the case of Michael Barela’s murder and I keep wondering about the community... ...Read More
    12/22/2023
    I’ve been following the case of Michael Barela’s tragic death and can’t shake the feeling that... ...Read More
    09/27/2023
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