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

One Dead after RV Fire in Flora Vista

Around 3:40 am, Sunday, November 9, San Juan County Fire & Rescue was dispatched to reports of a structure fire on Road 3546 in Flora Vista. San Juan County Fire & Rescue responded with mutual aid from the Bloomfield Fire Department. Crews arrived to find an RV on fire and the occupant still inside. Despite a quick response from fire crews, the RV was a total loss, and an occupant was found dead after the fire was extinguished.
Lanier Announces 2026 run for NM Governor

In 2020, Lanier was elected to the San Juan County Commission, and in 2024, he was elected State Senator for New Mexico's 2nd District.
2025 General Election Results

These are unofficial results from the contested races in the 2025 General Election held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Bus Service to Link Farmington to Durango, Albuquerque

The need for the route was identified in the Statewide Public Transportation Plan and will run between Albuquerque, Farmington, Bernalillo, Cuba and into Durango, CO. The new service line will run five days a week, with one round trip each day, providing access to Navajo Transit and Red Apple Transit in Farmington.
Two Fatally Shot in Durango, Suspect Shoots Self

Durango Police say that both victims from Monday night's shooting, Shelby Campbell (32) and Emma Sims (32), have passed away from their injuries. The suspect, Bradley Campbell (32), remains on life support with a gunshot wound to the head. Durango Police Detectives continue to investigate this incident, but there is no indication that anyone else was involved.
Murder-Suicide in busy Durango shopping area

Bystanders immediately called 911, prompting an emergency response from the Durango Police Department, La Plata County Sheriff's Office, and Durango Fire & Rescue. First Responders arrived within minutes and began life-saving measures on both individuals. Both were transported to Mercy Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.