Stallings Convicted of Murder

Monday, December 4, 2017 at 8:34 PM

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.

More from Local News

Arrest Made in Fatal Hit & Run

Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly. At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.
Two Dead after Shooting in Farmington-Update

Preliminary investigation indicates the individuals involved were known to one another, and this incident does not appear to be a random act of violence.
Candidates File for Municipal Elections

Candidates filed for municipal elections today. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Man Arrested after School Threat

No weapons were located on the suspect and he was arrested and charged with assault upon a school employee, unlawful shooting threats, disorderly conduct, and interference with members of staff or the general public.
Study finds local rail line "feasible," Project moves Forward

In addition, the study finds that reducing truck traffic on major highways is a major benefit to rail, with reduced motor vehicle crashes and reduced wear and tear to roadways. The next phase of this project is already funded by a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant and $1 million match from the New Mexico Match Fund.
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.