Suspect Sought in July 4th Fatal Shooting

Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 6:19 PM

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.

Sunday, July 5, 2026

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office

Following an investigation by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, an arrest warrant has been issued for Thomas Vigil, 20, of Bloomfield, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred during the early morning hours of July 4, 2026, at an abandoned property located on County Road 6800. Vigil was arrested on the warrant and is currently being held in the San Juan County Detention Center.

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 Vigil.

During the investigation, detectives executed search warrants, processed the crime scene, collected physical evidence, and interviewed numerous witnesses. Investigators developed probable cause to support that Thomas Vigil fired multiple rounds from a rifle, resulting in the death of Vialpando, injuries to Chavez, and placing another individual at risk. Investigators learned that evidence related to the incident was concealed or removed following the shooting.

As a result of the investigation, Vigil has been charged with:

First Degree Murder (Open Count)

Shooting At or From a Motor Vehicle Resulting in Great Bodily Harm

Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon

Tampering with Evidence

Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon

The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The San Juan County Sheriff's Office would like to extend its condolences to the victim’s family.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the San Juan County Sheriff's Office.

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