Stallings Convicted of Murder

With a guilty verdict of 1st Degree Murder, Rick Stallings is facing a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.

From the San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office:

Rick Stallings was found guilty this morning in District Court of 1st Degree Murder (Willful & Deliberate), Aggravated Burglary with a Deadly Weapon (2nd Degree Felony) and three 4th Degree Felonies; the Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle, Theft of a Firearm and Theft of a Credit Card. Stallings is currently pending trial for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Battery on a Peace Officer. With a guilty verdict of 1st Degree Murder, Stallings is facing a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
On October 1st of 2015, Karen Cugnini was found murdered in her own home. San Juan County Sheriff’s Office immediately began an investigation with Detective Robbins leading the way. After a lengthy two years of investigating and prolonged court proceedings, in which Stallings chose to represent himself, justice was finally served. 
Undersheriff Ferrari is quoted saying, “Stallings is no longer a threat to our community, thanks to the great work of Detective Robbins, the entire SJCSO Detectives Division and the District Attorney’s Office. We hope the Cugnini family has some peace and relief with the guilty verdict.” 
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone that assisted with this case and we would also like to thank the family of Karen Cugnini for staying strong and dealing with Stallings during the trial.