Gallup Sun Staff Reports

Police received a call this afternoon regarding a woman found "down and out outside" of a building located on Na'Nizhoozhi Center Inc.'s campus at 506 Frances St., GPD Capt. Marinda Spencer said.

Gallup Police Department Officer Richard Rangel arrived on scene and "checked the female who appeared to be deceased," Spencer said.

Medical personnel arrived on scene and confirmed that the Native American woman, likely between the age of 50-55, was dead.

The body laid about 30-feet northwest of the Frances Street building, which is listed in several online directories as NCI's "A Bridge to Recovery" substance abuse rehabilitation services. It wasn't immediately known if the woman was a client of any NCI's programs.

Spencer said GPD detectives were notified, and the Office of the Medical Investigator arrived on scene to conduct an investigation into the woman's death.

"There's no other information available at this time," Spencer said.

SANDOVAL COUNTY – On Dec.31, 2018 at about 7 pm, the New Mexico State Police investigated a fatal crash that killed a 12-year-old Albuquerque boy on U.S. 550 around mile post 44 south of Cuba.

The initial investigation indicated a 2011 Chevy Truck was traveling north on U.S. Highway 550.  The Chevy began to fish tail on the icy road, slid into oncoming traffic, and collided with a south bound 2007 Hyundai Elantra.

Alexander Steven Madsen, 12, of Albuquerque, who was a passenger in the Elantra sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Office of the Medical Investigator.

Two other passengers in the Elantra and the driver of the Chevy were treated for injuries not believed to be life threatening.  The driver of the Elantra was uninjured.

The driver of the Elantra was uninjured.

The weather was a contributing factor in the crash, alcohol was not involved, and seat belts were properly used. For the victim’s privacy their identities will not be immediately released by State Police.

The crash is still under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.

McKinley County’s population grew by one at 5:05 am on New Year’s Day when Karalynn Stormy Chiquito was the first baby born at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital.

Proud parents, Karen Kinsel and Cordell Chiquito, were very excited to have their daughter born on New Year’s Day. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 4 ounces and was 17 ¾ inches long.

The family resides in Thoreau and this is their first child. They are pictured here with Twila Moots who presented them with a newborn gift box courtesy of the RMCHCS Auxiliary.

No. 5: “Fraud doc sidelines broker: No love for Valentine as he faces suspension, fines”

Run date: Jan. 12

Reporter Deswood Tom profiled local real estate broker and realtor Jason Valentine who reportedly altered a pre-qualification letter for a home loan. Valentine was fined and suspended for six months. The reporter aptly captured Valentine’s regret and the costly consequences of fraudulent actions in the world of real estate.

No. 4: “Tribute to a Gallup radio legend: John McBreen December 30, 1948 - March 19, 2018” Run date: March 23

It’s tough to come up with a few short words on how we feel about radio personality John McBreen. His professionalism and camaraderie toward other media professionals was a breath of fresh air. He touched many lives with his storytelling and early morning interviews with Gallup’s movers and shakers on the radio show Impact. This article, along with the photos, adequately captured the life of a roving radio reporter. McBreen asked the tough questions and turned mundane politics into something interesting and digestible for the public at large.

No. 3: “Torn Apart: Local father, DWI arrestee awaits deportation trial”

Run date: Aug. 10

Nery Contreras had already lost the mother of his children when she reportedly fled the area, cutting ties with her children and her own mother. Things only got worse for him when he was arrested for a DWI, and next incarcerated, awaiting a deportation hearing. This story captured his family’s anguish and sadness. It’s an important story for this day and age, as many undocumented immigrants that came here as children live in fear of deportation everyday of their lives.

No. 2: “Nursing home neglect: Local care facility comes under fire”

Run date: Sept. 21, 2018

It’s not easy to speak out against a facility tasked with taking care of elderly family members. For starters, folks fear retribution if they speak out. But not Serena Penaloza. She went to bat for her grandmother Dorothy Kein-Monohan, who was allegedly neglected during her stay at Red Rocks Care Center in Gallup. Penaloza took to social media with her complaints, and her words spread like a wildfire, prompting other folks to share their negative experiences with New Mexico care facilities. Reporter Cody Begaye and Assistant Editor Mia Poris revealed past infractions with Red Rocks, and overall less than stellar ratings for many care centers across the Land of Enchantment.

No. 1: “All the pretty horses – where do they go?”

Run dates: Nov. 23, 30 & Dec. 14

Regardless of what side of the issue you stand on, when it comes to the removal of horses from tribal lands, the decisions that tribal and non-tribal leaders make – or don’t make – reflects on our values as a society. Reporter Cody Begaye interviewed tribal officials, local and regional horse activists, and a Navajo horse whisperer. It seems the fate of New Mexico and Texas horses sold at auction on tribal lands is an uncertain one. But, one thing is for certain – Texas and New Mexico horses are being sent to Mexico every day for slaughter. Begaye weaved these elements into a thought-provoking three-part series that commands our attention.

By Sun Editorial Staff