Teen Boy Fatally Stabbed, Mother Beaten, Juvenile Suspect Arrested

Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 1:22 PM

The victim is a 12-year old boy who died of apparent stab wounds. A second victim, believed to be the suspect’s mother, sustained injuries from a blunt object attack and is being treated at CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital in Durango. The names of the victims are being withheld as the investigation is ongoing. The incident was reported by a motorist who was involved in a single vehicle accident shortly after 7 a.m., believed to have been caused by the suspect as he fled the residence on Snowy Peaks Way. Deputies discovered the scene when they arrived to investigate the accident.

From the LaPlata County Sheriff's Office:

Thursday, October 24, 2024

La Plata County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a homicide that took place Thursday morning in the Southwest Horizon Ranch subdivision southeast of Durango. A 16-year old male suspect is in custody. Preliminary reports of two deceased victims were incorrect.

The incident was reported by a motorist who was involved in a single vehicle accident shortly after 7 a.m., believed to have been caused by the suspect as he fled the residence on Snowy Peaks Way. Deputies discovered the scene when they arrived to investigate the accident.

The suspect, whose name also is being withheld as he is a juvenile, fled the residence on foot, prompting a shelter-in-place lockdown order for a 4-mile radius around the U.S. Highway 160 and Colorado Highway 172 intersection, commonly known as Elmore’s Corner. He was apprehended on Escalante Drive near the Rocket Pointe apartments, approximately 6 miles from the crime scene, after a 9-1-1 call from a resident identified the suspect. He was taken into custody after deputies deployed a Taser unit. Durango Police and an Air One helicopter from San Juan County, NM assisted in the search and apprehension.

More from Local News

Floods Impact SW Colorado Highways

Recent flooding washed out roads and a bridge, causing full closures on common routes and significant repair delays along key corridors.
2026 Mid-term Election results

Results from the contested races in San Juan County, NM, in the 2026 midterm elections held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. These results are considered unofficial until certified by the San Juan County canvassing board.
Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County

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.
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham preparing request for federal disaster declaration
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency

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.
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

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.