Kirtland Man Charged with Woman's Killing

Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 8:32 PM

On Monday, 11/9/2026, San Juan County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a welfare check on Lovina Carpenter after a relative was worried she hadn’t heard from Ms. Carpenter since Saturday 11/7/2026. When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered Ms. Carpenter deceased in a shed on the property.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Thursday, November 12, 2026

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested John Ciani, age 40 of Kirtland, NM, on the charges of Murder in the 1st Degree and Tampering with Evidence (1st or 2nd Degree Felony) related to the death of Lovina Carpenter, age 29 of Kirtland, NM.

During Ms. Carpenter’s autopsy, it was determined that the cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the head. After multiple interviews and a thorough investigation, detectives determined that John Ciani of Kirtland was their main suspect.

An arrest warrant was sought and granted by Judge Hawkinson. Detectives arrested John Ciani on the charges of Murder in the 1st Degree (willful and deliberate) and Tampering with Evidence (Highest Crime a capital, 1st or 2nd degree felony) on 11/11/2026. He is currently being held at San Juan County Adult Detention Center pending a dangerousness hearing.

“Anytime a San Juan County citizen loses their life to violence, it is a tragedy for the community” said Sheriff Shane Ferrari. “The Sheriff’s Office is committed to investigating this murder thoroughly and doing our part to bring justice to those responsible.”

If you have any information regarding Lovina Carpenter or John Ciani that may be useful to this case, please call the detective tip line at 505-333-7878.

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