On a spring evening in Coyote, New Mexico, the life of 31-year-old Richard Gomez, a White / Caucasian male, was cut tragically short. It was April 17, 1980, and Gomez, a dedicated Patrolman with the New Mexico State Police, was on duty. Approximately one mile west of the small community, he initiated a traffic stop, pulling over a vehicle on the suspicion that the driver was intoxicated.
The man behind the wheel was identified as 60-year-old Modesto Martinez.
As Patrolman Gomez proceeded with the arrest, the routine stop took a fatal turn. Martinez produced a. 22 caliber handgun and fired a single shot, striking Gomez in the left shoulder. The bullet severed a major artery, inflicting a mortal wound. Despite the violent act, Martinez did not attempt to flee. He remained at the scene of the shooting and surrendered to authorities without any further resistance.
Emergency medical aid was rendered to Patrolman Gomez, but the severity of his injury proved to be overwhelming, and he succumbed to the gunshot wound. A ten-year veteran of law enforcement and a U.S. Navy veteran, he was survived by his wife and two children. His death was a profound loss to his family and the community he served.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Modesto Martinez was arrested and subsequently charged in connection with the death of Patrolman Gomez. He faced the judicial system for his actions and was ultimately convicted of voluntary manslaughter. On February 21, 1981, a judge sentenced Martinez to 13 years in prison for the killing of the state police officer. The legal proceedings brought a measure of closure to the case, though the sudden and violent death of Richard Gomez left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
