UPDATE Police ID 2 "Persons of Interest" in Mall Shooting

Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 1:14 PM

Farmington Police have two people of interest identified for the homicide from March 23, 2023, that took place in the parking lot of the Animas Valley Mall. Currently, they are being held on unrelated charges, as the circumstances surrounding this shooting are still under investigation. As officers arrived on the scene, March 23, 2023, they found two victims with gunshot wounds. 18-year old Ariana Rosas of Farmington was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are not releasing the identity of a male victim who was taken to the hospital.

From Farmington Police

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Thursday, March 23, 2023

One person is dead and another in stable condition after a shooting this morning outside the Animas Valley Mall in Farmington, NM. The suspect is still believed to be at large at this time.

Farmington Police say they were called to the mall around 11am on Thursday after reports of a shooting. Police say this was an isolated, targeted incident that took place outside of the mall's south side near English Road.

As officers arrived on the scene, they found two victims with gunshot wounds. 18-year old Ariana Rosas of Farmington was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are not releasing the identity of a male victim who was taken to the hospital.

No information about the suspect has been released.

Police say this is till an active homicide investigation and they will release more details as they become available.

On Friday, March 24, 2023, Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe gave an update into the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting and the search for the suspect:

We will update this story with more details as they become available.

More from Local News

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.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
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.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.
Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County. Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.
*Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center: