Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect, a 53-year-old male from Shiprock, intentionally targeted the victim, a 40-year-old female Walmart employee from Farmington, based on their prior relationship.
From Farmington Police:
September 19, 2024
At approximately 12:31 p.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the parking lot of the West Main Walmart. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect, a 53-year-old male from Shiprock, intentionally targeted the victim, a 40-year-old female Walmart employee from Farmington, based on their prior relationship. The suspect had entered the victim's vehicle, at which point the suspect shot her before fatally turning the gun on himself.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The female victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where she was reported to be in stable condition at the time of transport.
As this is an active investigation, we will provide updates as new information becomes available. The names of the individuals involved are being withheld pending notification of their families.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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