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Case Description
Any updates on this case?
Deputy Juan Leo Ortiz, a 33-year-old law enforcement officer, met his tragic end on September 17, 1978, in a act of retaliation for an earlier incident. Ortiz was working on his ranch in Rociada, New Mexico, near Maestas Canyon, when he was fatally shot.
The events leading to his death began on August 12, 1978, when Deputy Ortiz was on patrol in the Santa Fe National Forest. During this patrol, he encountered several men on horseback who were suspected of harassing campers in the area. Wh ...Read More
The events leading to his death began on August 12, 1978, when Deputy Ortiz was on patrol in the Santa Fe National Forest. During this patrol, he encountered several men on horseback who were suspected of harassing campers in the area. Wh ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (4)
See any mistakes?Victim Details
Juan Leo Ortiz
Male
Hispanic / Latino
Rociada
NM
1978-09-17
33
Juan
Leo Ortiz
11/07/2025
Forum Posts (2)
Has anyone else taken a look into the strange hoofprint details tied to Deputy Ortiz's murder? It se... ...Read More
02/19/2024
02/19/2024
I'm really struck by the resilience of Deputy Ortiz's family and the community around them. It must ... ...Read More
10/02/2023
10/02/2023
