Woman & Bystander Fatally Shot in Farmington

Andrew Wittenberg (Courtesy: Farmington Police Dept.)

Andrew Wittenberg has been charged with aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm, two counts of first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence. The investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

From Farmington Police

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

The investigation into Tuesday’s shootings in multiple locations remains ongoing, and law enforcement is now able to provide additional details.

On October 21, 2024, at approximately 5:12 a.m., officers were dispatched to 4900 Kayenta Drive in response to a breaking and entering. The residents had barricaded themselves in a room while the suspect, Andrew Wittenberg (35), was in the house. While inside, the suspect stole a rifle and then fled the scene on foot.

While officers were en route, shots were heard in the vicinity. The suspect went to 2915 English Road, where he shot and killed his girlfriend, Kelly Heath (46).

The suspect proceeded to 3720 Herrera Road, where he approached a business while armed with the rifle and requested a ride from an employee. The employee barricaded themself inside the building. Another employee, Brent Francis (25), was in a vehicle on the property. The suspect opened fire at Mr. Francis, fatally shooting him. The suspect then left the area and discarded the rifle, which was later located by law enforcement.

The suspect proceeded toward Main Street, where he was intercepted by law enforcement and taken into custody in the 3800 block of East Main Street.

Andrew Wittenberg has been charged with aggravated burglary, larceny of a firearm, two counts of first-degree murder, and tampering with evidence. The investigation is still ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available

More from Local News

  • 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.

  • Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday

    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.

  • *UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users

    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.

  • 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.

On KSJE Now:

KSJE Radio App

Get the KSJE Radio App

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny

    High: 66°F | Low: 37°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny

    High: 61°F | Low: 30°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny

    High: 68°F | Low: 34°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny

    High: 63°F | Low: 30°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny

    High: 63°F | Low: 39°F