Farmington Man Arrested on Murder Charges

Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 7:58 PM

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

Man Dies Swimming at Lake Nighthorse

The water temperature at the time of the incident was recorded at approximately 57 degrees. Responders understood that entering the water too early, before narrowing the search area, could jeopardize rescuer safety and reduce the likelihood of successfully locating the victim. Rescue personnel strategically coordinated search efforts before entering the water.
Remainder of Piñon Hills Blvd. Extension Fully Funded

Phase III of the $30 million project includes $27 million in state funds and $3 million in matching funds from San Juan County to fully fund and complete the project by 2029.
Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.