BBC Newshour 7:00am - 8:00am

Listen Live

Search

Arrests Made in Craig Cavanaugh Murder

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 6:15 PM

Craig Cavanaugh

This investigation began for the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office on July 17, 2019 when the Farmington (New Mexico) Police Department requested assistance with a missing person case that started on July 4. Craig Cavanaugh was reported missing after not returning to Farmington from a trip to Arizona. Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives conducted follow up and a body was located in the woods outside of Heber, Arizona on August 5. This body was later identified by the Pima County Medical Examiner as Craig Cavanaugh. Since this discovery, Coconino County detectives investigating this case as a h

From the Coconino County, AZ Sheriff's Office:

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

On February 28 and March 5, 2020, Shawn Eckard and Jason Eric Johnson were served warrants separately, reference the investigation of the homicide of Craig Cavanaugh.
Both men have been indicted in Navajo County for first degree murder of Craig Cavanaugh. Shawn Eckard is currently in the custody of the Arizona Department of Corrections on unrelated charges, and Jason Eric Johnson is currently in the custody of the Colorado Department of Corrections on unrelated charges.
Both have been served warrants and are pending appearance in Navajo County. This investigation began for the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office on July 17, 2019 when the Farmington (New Mexico) Police Department requested assistance with a missing person case that started on July 4. Craig Cavanaugh was reported missing after not returning to Farmington from a trip to Arizona.
Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives conducted follow up and a body was located in the woods outside of Heber, Arizona on August 5. This body was later identified by the Pima County Medical Examiner as Craig Cavanaugh. Since this discovery, Coconino County detectives investigating this case as a homicide developed leads and additional evidence that was presented to the Navajo County Attorney’s Office for charging and later presented to a grand jury.
The arrests and charges against Shawn Eckard and Jason Eric Johnson are the result of outstanding coordination and cooperative effort among several agencies to include the Farmington (NM) Police Department, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Navajo County Attorney’s Office, Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Chandler Police Department, Glendale (AZ) Police Department, and the United States Marshals Office.

Share

More from Local News

  • Sheriff's Office Investigates Fatal Shooting

    Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.

  • Suspect Arrested in Farmington Murder Case

    Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.

  • Farmington Temple Opens this Summer

    Invited guests will tour the temple, the afternoon of July 14, and all day on July 15 and 16, 2025. A public open house will run from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.

  • Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

    Video

    Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.

  • College Opens new Student Health Center

    The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.

  • Farmington Couple Accused of Severe Child Abuse

    Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 52°F | Low: 32°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 45°F | Low: 27°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 54°F | Low: 32°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 52°F | Low: 28°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 48°F | Low: 28°F