On a tragic day in June of 2017, a wave of violence swept across northern New Mexico, leaving a trail of devastation and claiming the life of 55-year-old Hispanic male, Max Trujillo of La Madera. Remembered by loved ones as a great father, a comedian, and a good all-around man, Trujillo's life was cut short on June 15, 2017, during a shooting spree that stunned the small communities of the region.
He was a respected iron worker who had built the home in La Madera where he and his family resided.
The series of brutal events began in the La Madera area, where Trujillo, his wife Maria Rosita Gallegos, 49, and his stepson Brendon Herrera, 20, were fatally shot. The alleged gunman was Damian Herrera, the 21-year-old son of Gallegos and stepson of Trujillo. The initial violence is believed to have stemmed from a domestic dispute. Following the killings of his family members, Herrera is said to have fled, continuing his rampage and leaving more victims in his wake.
After leaving his family's home, Herrera traveled north to Tres Piedras, where he is accused of killing 61-year-old Michael Kyte and stealing his truck. The crime spree continued to Abiquiu, where a fifth victim, 59-year-old Manuel Serrano, was killed at a general store. The violent journey spanned nearly 200 miles and involved multiple crime scenes, shaking the quiet, close-knit communities of northern New Mexico to their core.
Law enforcement officers spotted the stolen pickup truck, leading to a high-speed chase. The pursuit ended when Herrera crashed the vehicle into a tree. He was apprehended after a struggle with deputies in which he reportedly attempted to grab an officer's gun. Damian Herrera was subsequently arrested and faced five counts of murder for the senseless acts of violence that took the lives of five individuals, including his stepfather, Max Trujillo.
