Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.
From San Juan County Fire & Rescue
April 12, 2025
Fire Investigators are currently investigating a house fire that is suspected to have caused the death of one occupant.
Just before 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 12, San Juan County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a structure fire on Road 5795, in an area known as Wildhorse Valley. San Juan County Fire & Rescue responded with mutual aid from Farmington Fire Department.
Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupants still inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, the occupants were removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. One occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital, the other is in critical condition.
The names of the occupants and their relationship are not yet released.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the San Juan County Joint Fire & Explosion Investigation Task Force. There is no sign of foul play at this time.
As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.
The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.
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.
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.
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