Farmington Man Arrested on Murder Charges

Ronald Lee Long (Courtesy: San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office)

On March 31, 2020, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the US Marshals Task Force located and arrested 40-year-old, Ronald Lee Long of Farmington, NM on the charges of murder in the 1st degree (willful and deliberate), possession of firearm or destructive device by a felon and aggravated assault (use of a deadly weapon).

From the San Juan Co. Sjheriff's office:

Tuesday, March 31, 2020


On March 29, 2020, at approximately 3:15pm San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Road 1639 in La Plata, NM in reference to a shooting. When deputies arrived on scene, a male was found deceased inside the residence with an apparent gunshot wound. Detectives were immediately called to the scene and identified the deceased male as 56-year-old, Michael Gagnebin. Investigators collected evidence at the scene, conducted interviews and quickly identified potential suspects. On March 30, 2020, detectives obtained a search warrant and made entry into a residence on South Ivie Ave in Farmington, NM. Multiple persons of interest were transported to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and questioned by investigators. On March 31, 2020, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office detectives and the US Marshals Task Force located and arrested 40-year-old, Ronald Lee Long of Farmington, NM on the charges of murder in the 1st degree (willful and deliberate), possession of firearm or destructive device by a felon and aggravated assault (use of a deadly weapon). According to New Mexico court records, Long previously pled guilty to two fourth degree felonies in 2019; escape or attempt to escape from the custody of a peace officer and battery upon a health care worker. Long was transported and booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center.

More from Local News

  • Two Bicyclists Killed on N36 in alleged DWI Crash

    The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.

  • One Dead After House Fire Saturday Afternoon

    Second occupant in critical condition; Identity of victims not yet released.

  • First Native American President Named at Fort Lewis College

    As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.

  • Arrest Made after Durango Rec Center Damaged by Gunfire

    The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.

  • Police Arrest Woman for Husband's Fatal Stabbing 5 years ago

    After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.

  • Update: Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting

    Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 72°F | Low: 39°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 66°F | Low: 32°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny

    High: 77°F | Low: 43°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 72°F | Low: 39°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thundery shower

    High: 64°F | Low: 43°F