Suspect sought in Chaves County Homicide

CHAVES COUNTY, N.M. – One of two men wanted for questioning in a homicide south of Roswell is now being called a suspect by Chaves County deputies.

On Wednesday, Chaves County Undersheriff Charles Yslas says the investigation now points to Salvador Acosta Fuentes as a suspect in the Dec. 22 death of Estefania Martinez.

“He is a suspect, and we are seeking his whereabouts,” Yslas said.

Yslas noted that Fuentes has a track record of criminal activity.

“He has been dealt with on a local level and on a federal level,” he added.

Deputies last week called Fuentes, Paula Sanchez and Hector Aguayo persons of interest in the death of Martinez.

Deputies found Martinez shot to death in a trailer in the 6000 block of Miller Road in the town of Midway while responding to a shots fired call. Her death has since been ruled a homicide.

Fuentes and Aguayo both remain at large. Sanchez was found over the weekend in Artesia.

“We had information that she was possibly at a relative’s house. The Artesia Police Department contacted her there. The detectives from our agency went down, spoke to her gathered more information as well as additional evidence,” Yslas said.

No charges have yet been filed against Sanchez, Fuentes or Aguayo.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office.