New Mexico State Police investigate homicide in Chimayo

Photo byNMSP

In a release from the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau were called to investigate a homicide that occurred at a residence in Chimayo.

The investigation began on August 26, 2024, when New Mexico State Police officers were called to a house on Private Drive 1405A, in Chimayo for reports of a domestic violence incident where a female was heard screaming for help inside a residence. When dispatch received the domestic violence call, a second call came in about a structure fire coming from that residence. Fire fighters arrived on scene to put out the fire. Investigators learned Leonel Andrade Garcia (42) was seen leaving the scene of the burning residence with a knife. When NMSP officers arrived, they observed an unconscious male lying in front of the burning residence with what appeared to be stab wounds.

Agents learned Garcia had fled the area and was later located in a nearby field with wounds that also appeared to be from a stabbing. He was transported to an area hospital, before being flown to a hospital in Albuquerque where he is in stable condition. Fire fighters were able to remove the female from the burning residence, but she unfortunately succumbed to injuries consistent with knife wounds. She is identified as Analilia Morales (46). The unconscious male was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.

It was later learned Morales had an active order of protection against Garcia and they were scheduled to appear in court in the next few days. He is currently being charged with the following:

• Murder in the 1st degree

• Kidnapping in the first degree

• Arson

• Aggravated Burglary

• Aggravated Battery in the 3rd degree

• Aggravated Stalking

• Criminal Damage to Property