Update: Murder Suspect Arrested

Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 9:21 PM

Raheem Benally was later identified as the suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of second degree murder and tampering with evidence. Detectives learned he was in the Shiprock area and obtained an extradition warrant approved by the Navajo Nation. Farmington police took Benally into custody without incident around 7:00 this evening. He was transported to the San Juan County Detention Center where he was booked on the warrant.

Update from Farmington Police 12/13/18:

Farmington police arrested 24-year-old Raheem Benally of Farmington in connection with a homicide that took place yesterday. Officers were dispatched around 6:19 last night to Brothers Avenue in reference to a man, later identified as 37-year-old Philbert Vanwinkle of Farmington, lying in the road. The reporting party informed dispatch the man was bleeding and didn’t appear to be breathing. Officers arrived on scene and found Vanwinkle to be deceased with apparent multiple stab wounds. Two persons of interest were initially detained for questioning and then released. Benally was later identified as the suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of second degree murder and tampering with evidence. Detectives learned he was in the Shiprock area and obtained an extradition warrant approved by the Navajo Nation. Farmington police took Benally into custody without incident around 7:00 this evening. He was transported to the San Juan County Detention Center where he was booked on the warrant.

The Farmington Police Department would like to thank the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation prosecutors for their assistance.

From Farmington Police 12/12/18:

Farmington police were dispatched around 6:19 this evening to Brothers Avenue in reference to a man laying in the road. The reporting party informed dispatch the man was bleeding and didn’t appear to be breathing. Officers arrived on scene and found the man to be deceased. Two persons of interest who were in the area have been detained for questioning. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. We’ll continue to provide updates as they become available.

More from Local News

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.
Feds Indict Shiprock Father & Son for Illegal Marijuana Farms in NM

The charges include conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana, manufacture of 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms and more of marijuana and 1,000 and more marijuana plants, maintaining drug-involved premises, and two counts of knowingly discharging pollutants into waters of the United States without a permit.
Passenger Air Service Returns to Farmington

“We’re excited to bring this new United Express service to the four corners area,” said Cody Thomas, Managing Director of Market Development at SkyWest Airlines. "Little is more important to a community than quality air service. With just one flight from FMN, passengers can easily connect to hundreds of destinations worldwide on United’s global network through Denver.”
2024 Election: San Juan County Contested Races

These are the unofficial election results from voting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 of the contested races in San Juan County, NM.