The New Mexico Medical Investigator’s office is still working to positively identify a badly decomposed body recently discovered in the mountains above Santa Fe. There is wide speculation that the remains are those of 29-year old Lawrence Longwell, who has been missing since December. Authorities say a hiker near the Santa Fe Baldy summit discovered the body a day after someone else found a campsite and car keys that match the vehicle belonging to Longwell. Santa Fe police say Longwell's mother reported the 29-year-old missing December 13th after he didn't come home from work. Both his cellphone and wallet were still in the home. Longwell's family says he enjoyed hiking in the Santa Fe ski basin area.
Even when keeping a low profile, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez can't quiet speculation that she could play a role in Republicans' hopes for 2016. The New Mexican reported Saturday that political pundits still believe Martinez will be given serious consideration as a running mate for the GOP presidential nominee. Martinez has not been seen publicly campaigning for any of the Republican contenders since appearing at an event in 2013 for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. She said during a gubernatorial debate last year that she would carry out a second four-year term if re-elected. Spokesman Chris Sanchez says the governor's commitment to her office remains the same. Some political observers say keeping a low profile and staying off national television could be to her advantage.
A proposal to turn a former dairy processing plant near Roswell into a place to grow plants, specifically marijuana, isn't getting high praise from local officials. The Roswell Daily Record reports that a joint city-county commission will meet this week to consider Pecos Valley Pharmaceuticals' request to rezone the facility as a "pharmaceutical manufacturing site." According to a Chaves County Planning and Zoning Department report, officials have received verbal objections as well as one in writing. But the report endorses approving the zoning change, saying the pot farm would bring economic development. Chavez County commissioners at one time were considering an ordinance to ban marijuana in the county. Roswell city councilors say state law does not allow for local governments to have control over marijuana dispensaries and growing operations.
New Mexico State Police are searching for a suspect in a Cuba shooting last month sparked by road rage. Authorities say the incident occurred April 16 shortly before 6 p.m. near the intersection of US 550 and SR 197. According to State Police, a pedestrian and the driver of a pickup truck got into a confrontation that led to the pedestrian being shot. Police say the driver is wanted for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The suspect is described as Hispanic or Native American, between 5-foot-3 and 5-foot-6 and with a thin to medium build. He is between 25 and 40 years old, has black hair and a beard and was wearing glasses. He was last seen driving a red or maroon, older Nissan pickup with an extended cab.
The Albuquerque BioPark has lost a member of its Asian elephant herd. Zookeepers say 5-year-old Daizy died Saturday afternoon after collapsing from symptoms related to elephant endotheliotropicherpesvirus. The virus is highly fatal when transmitted to young Asian elephants. They say she first exhibited symptoms Wednesday. A blood sample taken to a University of New Mexico laboratory tested positive for the virus. Zoo caretakers say antiviral medication was administered immediately but the female elephant succumbed anyway. Zoo officials say the rest of the herd is not in danger. However, they are closely monitoring Jazmine, a 19-month-old female calf. Daizy was born at the zoo in September 2009.
Santa Fe Weather: Sunny today with the high near 68. Tonight: Partly cloudy with the overnight low dipping to 41. Tomorrow: Mostly cloudy with the high 65 and a 40-percent chance for showers and thunderstorms.