On a crisp November morning in 2017, the small community of Peñasco, New Mexico, was rocked by a tragic event that ended the life of Nelson Francisco "Horse" Rodarte Jr. A 39-year-old man, Rodarte was a known figure in the area, an electrician and the owner of Mountain Man Electric. His death on November 25, 2017, was the culmination of a domestic violence incident that drew a significant law enforcement response.
The day's events began to unfold around 8 a.m.
when Taos County Sheriff's deputies and New Mexico State Police were dispatched to a residence following a report of a domestic dispute. Rodarte was reportedly harassing his girlfriend and her family at their home. Authorities stated that Rodarte had assaulted his girlfriend the previous night and had several outstanding arrest warrants. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the situation escalated.
Initially, Rodarte barricaded himself inside a bedroom of the home. As officers worked to establish a perimeter, he managed to climb onto the roof of the house. It was there that the confrontation reached its fatal climax. Law enforcement officials reported that Rodarte was armed with a loaded rifle and also had a loaded revolver in his pocket. According to police, he refused to put down the rifle and pointed it at the officers. In response, a state police officer and a sheriff's deputy fired their weapons, fatally wounding Rodarte.
In the aftermath, the shooting was placed under investigation. Friends and family remembered Rodarte as a lovable, respectful, and outgoing individual who was always willing to help others. His obituary described him as a successful and hardworking man who lived life to the fullest. The incident left a lasting impact on the community, a stark reminder of how quickly a domestic dispute can escalate to a tragic conclusion. The alleged parties responsible for his death were listed as the New Mexico State Police and the Taos County Sheriff's Office.
