Farmington Man Arrested on Murder Charges

Ronald Lee Long (Courtesy: San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office)

On March 31, 2020, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the US Marshals Task Force located and arrested 40-year-old, Ronald Lee Long of Farmington, NM on the charges of murder in the 1st degree (willful and deliberate), possession of firearm or destructive device by a felon and aggravated assault (use of a deadly weapon).

From the San Juan Co. Sjheriff's office:

Tuesday, March 31, 2020


On March 29, 2020, at approximately 3:15pm San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Road 1639 in La Plata, NM in reference to a shooting. When deputies arrived on scene, a male was found deceased inside the residence with an apparent gunshot wound. Detectives were immediately called to the scene and identified the deceased male as 56-year-old, Michael Gagnebin. Investigators collected evidence at the scene, conducted interviews and quickly identified potential suspects. On March 30, 2020, detectives obtained a search warrant and made entry into a residence on South Ivie Ave in Farmington, NM. Multiple persons of interest were transported to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and questioned by investigators. On March 31, 2020, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the US Marshals Task Force located and arrested 40-year-old, Ronald Lee Long of Farmington, NM on the charges of murder in the 1st degree (willful and deliberate), possession of firearm or destructive device by a felon and aggravated assault (use of a deadly weapon). According to New Mexico court records, Long previously pled guilty to two fourth degree felonies in 2019; escape or attempt to escape from the custody of a peace officer and battery upon a health care worker. Long was transported and booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center.

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Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Light rain

    High: 54°F | Low: 41°F

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