Andrew Whittenberg (Courtesy: San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office)
30-year old Andrew Whittenberg is accused of shooting 28-year old John Chavez in Flora Vista on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Chavez underwent emergency surgery at San Juan Regional Medical Center before being flown to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque where he is listed in critical, but stable, condition.
From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:
Monday, August 3, 2020
30-year-old Andrew Whittenberg, was arrested on Saturday, August 1, 2020, after shooting 28-year-old John Chavez in Flora Vista, NM. San Juan Regional Medical Center performed emergency surgery on Chavez, but he was quickly transported to Albuquerque for more advanced care. Chavez is currently in critical but stable condition at UNM Hospital. Whittenberg was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention center on three failure to comply warrants from previous cases, a parole violation, a 2nd-degree felony charge of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (3rd of subsequent offense), a 3rd-degree felony charge of aggravated battery (great bodily harm with a deadly weapon), a 4th-degree felony charge of possession of a firearm by a felon, and a 4th-degree felony charge of tampering with evidence.
A criminal history on Andrew Whittenberg shows the following felony convictions:
A felony conviction in 2015 for burglary of a dwelling
A felony conviction in 2015 for create, deliver, possess w/intent to deliver counterfeit substances.
A felony conviction in 2015 for aggravated burglary (armed after entering)
A felony conviction in 2015 for criminal damage to property (over $1000)
A felony conviction in 2012 for escape from jail
A felony conviction in 2012 for tampering with evidence
A felony conviction in 2012 unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (2nd offense)
A felony conviction in 2012 for residential burglary
A felony conviction in 2011 for unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (1st offense)
The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.