The initial investigation indicated the Dodge, driven by Mary Jane Louton (63) of Navajo Dam, was travelling east on State Road 173. The Nissan, driven by Peter Christensen (70) of Farmington, was traveling west on State Road 173.
For reasons not yet determined, the Dodge crossed the center line and collided head on with the Nissan. Both Ms. Louton and Mr. Christensen sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
From NM State Police:
On October 30, 2017 at around 6:00 p.m. New Mexico State Police officers responded to a double fatal, head on collision involving a 2013 Dodge Ram truck and a 2006 Nissan Xterra on State Road 173 at approximately mile post 11, west of Navajo Dam.
The initial investigation indicated the Dodge, driven by Mary Jane Louton (63) of Navajo Dam, was travelling east on State Road 173. The Nissan, driven by Peter Christensen (70) of Farmington, was traveling west on State Road 173.
For reasons not yet determined, the Dodge crossed the center line and collided head on with the Nissan. Both Ms. Louton and Mr. Christensen sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
This case remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
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: