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 New Mexico Department of Justice has investigated fuel prices in San Juan County under prior Attorneys General. Investigations were inconclusive, but there was relief at the pump for a brief period. “We just want to be assured that San Juan County is paying what’s fair at the pump,” said Commissioner Lanier. “With limited competition between brands, it is worth checking out.”
Deputies responded to reports of a shooting and located 18-year-old Elihue Vialpando, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. A second victim, Jack Chavez, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center for treatment. Witness statements revealed Vialpando brandished a pistol and fired rounds earlier in the night, but based on the timeline of events and witness statements, did not support actions by Thomas Vigil.
The suspect escaped during Sunday afternoon church services. He asked to go to the bathroom and never returned, immediately initiating a count and search of the facility.
This is the first escape in the 31-year history of the jail-based treatment center.
Earlier this week, Jacob Marriott was sentenced after pleading guilty to 4 counts of Manufacturing of Child Pornography (2nd Degree Felony), 1 count of Possession of Child Pornography (4th Degree Felony), and 2 counts of Voyeurism of a Child Under 18 (3rd Degree Felony).
We'll be updating this page with results throughout the evening on Tuesday, June 2, 2026:
These are the unofficial results of the contested NM Primary races in San Juan County on June 2, 2026: