Due to the injuries not being consistent with the suspects report, an investigation into the incident was initiated. Detectives executed search warrants on the suspect’s residence and along with Children Youth and Families, conducted interviews with other children who had previously been placed in the suspects care. As a result of this investigation, Hope Graciano was booked for Abuse of a Child Great Bodily Harm, two counts of Abuse of a Child and Intimidation of a Witness.
From Farmington Police:
On October 23, 2017, Farmington Police Detectives arrested Hope Graciano, 53 of Farmington, on charges of Abuse of a Child Great Bodily Harm, two counts of Abuse of a Child and Intimidation of a Witness. This arrest stems from the following investigation:
On September 25, 2017, the 11 year old victim in this case was brought to San Juan Regional Medical Center by their treatment foster mom, Hope Graciano. Hope said the victim had fallen while practicing soccer dives. The injuries were deemed to be serious, resulting in the victim being flown to UNM Children’s Hospital for treatment. Due to the injuries not being consistent with the suspects report, an investigation into the incident was initiated. Detectives executed search warrants on the suspect’s residence and along with Children Youth and Families, conducted interviews with other children who had previously been placed in the suspects care. As a result of this investigation, Hope Graciano was booked for Abuse of a Child Great Bodily Harm, two counts of Abuse of a Child and Intimidation of a Witness.
If anyone has further information about this crime, they are asked to contact Detective Chris Blea at (505) 599-1005 or if they wish to remain anonymous, the can call the San Juan County Crime Stoppers Tipline at (505) 334 TIPS (8477).
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.
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.
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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.
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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.