New Mexico State Police Investigate In-Custody Death in Torrance County, NM

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Torrance County, NM – On September 23, 2023, at approximately 11:40 p.m. the New Mexico State Police were dispatched to a residence located on Pleasant Valley Dr. in Edgewood, NM in reference to a kidnapping.

A New Mexico State Police officer and a Torrance County Sherrif’s Office (TCSO) deputy arrived on scene and contacted an adult female victim, who exited a travel trailer on the property.  The female stated the male subject was the only individual inside the trailer and he had been physically abusing her and was armed. 

Officers heard a male subject yelling at them, so they backed away from the trailer and began PA announcements in an attempt to get him to exit the trailer.

A short time later, the officer and deputy smelled smoke and officers noticed flames coming from inside the trailer.

The Torrance County Fire Department was called and arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.  While inside the trailer, fire department personnel observed charred human remains along with the remains of two dogs.

The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was contacted, and agents arrived on scene.  They contacted the State Fire Marshal’s Office and a Deputy State Fire Marshal so they could assist in processing the scene.

This case is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.

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