Officer Bryce Chambers was first to arrive on scene and discovered the victim, a 21 year old female Bloomfield resident, was deceased after sustaining multiple stab wounds to her neck. Chambers quickly located a suspect, 24 year old Cecilia Trujillo whom was still on scene and had a knife on her person.
Chambers detained Trujillo whom was later transported to the Bloomfield Police Department and questioned by Bloomfield Detective, Justen Darby. Trujillo admitted to stabbing the victim after an altercation occurred between the two. Trujillo was transported to the San Juan County Adult Detent
From Bloomfield Police:
At approximately 6:20 pm on February 18, 2018, Bloomfield Police Officers responded to the 2100 block of East Blanco Blvd in reference to a possible unattended death.
Officer Bryce Chambers was first to arrive on scene and discovered the victim, a 21 year old female Bloomfield resident, was deceased after sustaining multiple stab wounds to her neck. Chambers quickly located a suspect, 24 year old Cecilia Trujillo whom was still on scene and had a knife on her person.
Chambers detained Trujillo whom was later transported to the Bloomfield Police Department and questioned by Bloomfield Detective, Justen Darby. Trujillo admitted to stabbing the victim after an altercation occurred between the two. Trujillo was transported to the San Juan County Adult Detention Center where she was initially held on a parole violation. Detective Darby subsequently completed and served an arrest warrant for Trujillo for 2nd Degree Murder.
The Bloomfield Police Department would like to recognize the San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives for their assistance in working this case. We also appreciate the San Juan County Crime Scene division for processing the scene.
The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.