Murder suspect Joaquin Sanchez

NMSP News:

Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, at around 10:21 p.m., the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Uniform Bureau in Las Vegas responded to 8 El Gasnate in Ribera in San Miguel County in reference to a shooting victim.

When officers arrived at the scene, they located a male subject who was identified as Joshua Vigil, 17, of Ribera inside the residence deceased with what appeared to be a gunshot injury.

NMSP Investigations Bureau was called to investigate the incident. Agents learned the owner of the residence, Joaquin Sanchez, 18, of Ribera was at his residence having a New Year’s party. Sometime during the party, there was an altercation between Vigil and Sanchez. During the altercation, Vigil was shot by Sanchez. Vigil was pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

Sanchez was taken into custody without incident and booked into the San Miguel County Detention Center. 

Sanchez was charged with the following:

• Murder in the 2nd Degree; and
• Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon.

This case is being investigated by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration.