Crime Solvers Central
CSC
263 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Juan Ortiz death by force case profile photo

Juan Leo Ortiz

Case from Rociada, NM dated Sep 17, 1978

Victim Details

Juan Leo Ortiz

Male

Hispanic / Latino

Rociada

NM

1978-09-17

33

Juan

Leo Ortiz

06/24/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
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 ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Juan Leo Ortiz, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (4)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Deputy Sheriff Juan Leo Ortiz - Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP)
  • Deputy Juan Ortiz - The Land of Entrapment
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 2 additional sources

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    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
    I'm really struck by the resilience of Deputy Ortiz's family and the community around them. It must ... ...Read More
    10/02/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Juan Leo Ortiz

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Rociada, New-mexico

    Ro Latimer Lucero Sr. death by force case in Rociada, NM

    Ro Latimer Lucero Sr.

    Death: Oct 27, 2018
    Roman Latimer Lucero Sr., a 46-year-old resident of Rociada, New Mexico, lost his life to gun violen e ...Read More
    Juan Ortiz death by force case in Rociada, NM

    Juan Ortiz

    Death: Sep 01, 1978
    Juan Leo Ortiz, a 33-year-old Hispanic male, was a Deputy Sheriff with the San Miguel County Sheriff f ...Read More