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She Came to Albuquerque for a Rodeo. Forty-Three Years Later, DNA Led Police to the Man Accused of Killing Her.

Juan Oliveros
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She Came to Albuquerque for a Rodeo. Forty-Three Years Later, DNA Led Police to the Man Accused of Killing Her.

The murder of Agnes Tybo remained as one of Albuquerque’s unresolved tragedies — a chilling case marked by a ransacked motel room, a discarded purse and a composite sketch that led to no arrest. Now, advances in DNA technology have done what generations of detectives could not.

Prosecutors have charged Charlie Brown Jr., a 73-year-old Illinois man, with first-degree murder in the 1983 killing of Tybo, a 71-year-old woman who had traveled to New Mexico to reunite with family and attend the Indian National Finals Rodeo.

Authorities announced the arrest warrant this week. The issuance of the warrant signaled the end of a painstaking investigation that spanned 43 years. It underscored the growing power of modern DNA technology to solve the puzzle tucked in decades-old evidence.

On Nov. 11, 1983, a staff member at Albuquerque’s Sundowner Motel, a defunct hotel that once stood along Central Avenue Northeast, found Tybo dead inside a room. Investigators of the case described the scene as being in “complete disarray.” The Office of the Medical Investigator said that Tybo had been strangled, ruling her death a homicide.

Tybo came to Albuquerque with her sister “eager to experience the energy, heritage, and celebration of the Indian National Finals Rodeo.” Instead, inside Room 252, a weekend of celebration ended in tragedy. Agnes’s life was stolen—leaving an empty chair, a grieving family, and a room heavy with unanswered questions.

Detectives investigating her death recovered Tybo’s missing purse from the bed of a dump truck parked in the motel lot. A white cotton towel was found along with her belongings; the investigators preserved it as evidence.

Witnesses also told investigators they saw a man attempting to enter motel rooms almost at the same time as the killing. Police produced a composite sketch of a suspect and sent it out to the public and tribal agencies. Despite the efforts, the investigation yielded no results. The case eventually went cold.

The case remained inactive until October 2021, when a civilian investigator with the Albuquerque Police Department reopened the probe and ordered advanced DNA testing on evidence collected at the scene of the crime decades earlier.

Then, the breakthrough came in July 2022. The National DNA Index System informed investigators of a possible match linking the evidence to Brown, who was living in Champaign, Illinois. Detectives traveled to Illinois and obtained a warrant that authorized them to collect a direct DNA sample from Brown.

Subsequent forensic analysis, according to court filings, conclusively put Brown at the crime scene. Investigators also tied the suspect’s DNA to the white towel found with the victim’s purse. The findings led prosecutors to file murder charges on Monday, seeking Brown’s extradition to New Mexico.

“This case highlights our department’s unyielding commitment to victims and their families, no matter how many years pass,” Albuquerque Police Chief Cecily Barker said in a statement. “Generations of detectives protected this evidence so that modern science could eventually bring the truth to light. We hope this arrest provides long-overdue closure to the Tybo family and the Indigenous community.”

The announcement offers something that seemed impossible 43 years ago. According to the Albuquerque Police Department’s statement posted on social media, “To the Tybo family, we know that time does not erase the deep pain of a stolen life. But we hope this arrest finally brings the long-overdue answers you have waited a lifetime to hear. To every family still searching for answers in the dark: APD does not forget. We do not stop looking, and we will never stop fighting for your loved ones.”

The charges against Brown remain as allegations. He remains innocent until the courts prove him guilty. But the Tybo case is a reminder that even as memories fail and witnesses disappear, carefully preserved evidence can still speak — even decades after the suspect committed a crime.

Fast Food Employees in Deming Hospitalized After Exposure To An “Unknown Substance” in Bathroom

Ruben Reyes
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Fast Food Employees in Deming Hospitalized After Exposure To An “Unknown Substance” in Bathroom

Another “unknown substance” exposure has caused hospitalization of two employees. The police suspects it is exposure to fentanyl or another hazardous substance.

The two employees were sent to a hospital Saturday night after breathing smoke that made them feel sick.

According to Deming Police District report, officers went to the restaurant around 9:30 P.M. in response to a report of suspicious person in the restroom. The person left before the police arrived.

The employees went to the restroom after the suspect left. After that, they began feeling ill, and were taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Due to the symptoms indicated, the police assumed possible exposure to fentanyl or another hazardous substance. DPD has requested assistance from the New Mexico State Police hazmat team and the Luna County Management Unit.

The scene was closed off as a precaution until 3 A.M., when it was determined to be safe.

Police say the incident was thought to have been isolated. However, a DPD spokesperson says local businesses should keep an eye out for people who are not customer going into restrooms and staying inside for unusual amount of time. If it happens, the business should report the activity to police as a precaution in order to reduce the risk for employees customers, and first responders.

The investigation

A Flesh-Eating Parasite Has Reached New Mexico. Here’s What Every Pet and Livestock Owner Needs to Know.

Juan Oliveros
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A Flesh-Eating Parasite Has Reached New Mexico. Here’s What Every Pet and Livestock Owner Needs to Know.

Federal officials confirmed the first case of New World screwworm in New Mexico, raising concerns among pet owners, ranchers, and wildlife managers about the flesh-eating parasite that is capable of wreaking havoc on animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Tuesday that a case first reported in Texas has been determined by investigators to have been in Lea County, New Mexico.

The veterinarian who diagnosed the infestation lived in Andrews County, Texas. But the dog’s home was across the state border in southeastern New Mexico, making it the state’s first confirmed case of the deadly parasite in decades.

Authorities say it appears the infestation is an isolated case. The dog’s recent travel history and possible exposures, however, remain unknown, prompting a sweeping investigation involving federal and state animal health officials. “This situation is evolving, and we expect new information to emerge as our investigation continues,” Dudley Hoskins, USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, said in a statement. “USDA is committed to sharing what we learn quickly, accurately, and transparently so animal owners and local communities have the information they need to stay vigilant.”

The New World screwworm is not a worm at all. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the parasite is a fly whose eggs hatch into maggots that burrow into and feed on the living tissue of warm‑blooded animals and people. Infestations cause painful, foul‑smelling wounds that could get worse over time. It can be fatal if untreated.

The parasite poses a threat to cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pets, and wildlife. Its discovery comes at a time when livestock producers are wary of the parasite that once devastated the American cattle industry before the USDA eradicated it in 1966 and in Florida Keys deer in 2016. Officials are now preparing to deploy that same strategy if necessary.

USDA and New Mexico veterinarians have activated the steps outlined in the agency’s New World Screwworm Response Playbook. Investigators are monitoring the infected dog’s movements and examining other animals in the household. They also set fly traps in the surrounding area and are preparing for possible deployment of sterile flies to interrupt the parasite’s reproductive cycle.

Meanwhile, officials confirmed a separate case of infestation in a goat in Gillespie County, Texas. State and federal agencies have widened surveillance and testing efforts there as well.

What Pet and Livestock Owners Should Watch For

Animal health officials urged the public to inspect their animals every day, especially those with recent wounds. They say warning signs of New World screwworm infestation include wounds that appear to worsen; maggots or clusters of fly eggs in the wounds; animals displaying unusual discomfort, agitation, or irritability; and the presence of lesions around natural body openings, such as ears, nose, genital area, and the umbilical region of young animals.

Officials explain that the larvae feed rapidly on living tissue, and early detection can spell the difference between successful treatment and severe complications.

Anyone who suspects a New World screwworm infestation should contact a veterinarian immediately. State animal health officials or USDA authorities may also receive reports. Officials stress that awareness—not panic—is the most effective defense against the parasite.

Have Something to Share? State to Hear From Black Students, Families on Education Needs

Gregg Morgan
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Have Something to Share? State to Hear From Black Students, Families on Education Needs

Everyone deserves access to education, regardless of race or background. In New Mexico, state officials continue to promote equity in education. They ensure that students, including Black and African American learners, receive equal opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed. 

New Mexico continues to promote inclusivity and foster a sense of belonging in schools. As part of these efforts, the state will hold its first statewide community listening session on June 11.  Officials aim to hear directly from students, families, and community centers on how schools can better support Black education.

The Public Education Department (PED) and the Office of African American Affairs (OAAA) will co-host the event. Organizers will hold the listening session from 6–8 p.m. at the African American Performing Arts Center (AAPAC) in Albuquerque. They invite all community members to attend the activity. They will also provide a virtual participation option. 

Officials designed the listening session to identify the support systems Black students need to thrive academically and socially. Facilitators will guide discussions with prompts and allow participants to submit questions in advance to help shape the conversation.

The Purpose of the Listening Session

“Every family deserves to know their voice matters in their child’s education,” said Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla. 

Padilla said the listening session gives PED an important opportunity to hear directly from Black students, parents, families and community members. She said participants will share their experiences, challenges and hopes for the future. 

“By partnering with the Office of African American Affairs, we are creating space for honest conversation and meaningful collaboration that will help us build stronger, more inclusive schools where every student can succeed,” she said.

“Our office is proud to partner with the PED on this effort, particularly through the livestream option, so families and students from every corner of the state can participate,” said Gene Grant, executive director of OAAA.

Organizers offer the event for free, but they require registration for both in-person and remote attendees. AAPAC provides free parking at its venue located at 310 San Pedro Dr. NE, Expo New Mexico. Organizers will provide light food and beverages.

Why the Monsoon is New Mexico’s Deadliest Weather Season

Juan Oliveros
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Why the Monsoon is New Mexico’s Deadliest Weather Season

Severe weather is often associated with tornadoes, hurricanes, or winter storms. The North American Monsoon, however, spanning the summer months, is New Mexico’s most lethal climatic event. The interplay of diverse extreme weather risks, defined by geography and climate variability, culminates in the region’s deadliest season.

The danger of the monsoon lies in New Mexico’s unique combination of terrain and arid climate. In early summer, intense heat bakes the desert floor, creating widespread weather disruption. The system works like a giant pump, pulling in humid tropical air from the Gulfs.

The sudden monsoon rains overwhelm dry, hardened soil. The water immediately rushes into the region’s widespread “arroyos”—the dry, sandy creek beds across the state. Within seconds, a dry ditch can become a violent river, flowing at speeds over 30 miles per hour. These floods can strike under clear skies. A storm over a mountain peak can send a wall of water rushing into a canyon some 10 miles away.

Wildfires and Climate Change

A study by Michael Crimmins and associates shows that drought and amplified moisture imbalance driven by climate change have escalated wildfires in New Mexico. These fires leave behind burn scars and degraded soils that magnify monsoon flooding and erosion risks. Longer, hotter droughts drive catastrophic fires across the state’s alpine forests; they leave behind burned swaths of land, altering the soil’s chemical composition.

The result is almost apocalyptic when monsoon downpours hit the land. Instead of a regular flash flood, the rainwater mixes with tons of ash, soot, and loose soil, creating a concrete-like flow of debris.

Monsoon poses multiple threats

Flash flooding is the primary killer. But the monsoon weather poses multi-front threats to the state: ferocious lightning and dust storms.

Intense daytime temperatures generate highly volatile, unstable storms. New Mexico’s sprawling open spaces and mountainous terrain leave outdoor recreationists vulnerable to cloud-to-ground lightning strikes.

In the early stages of the monsoon, on the other hand, rain often evaporates before reaching dry ground—a phenomenon known as virga. It quickly cools the air, causing it to fall steeply to earth and rush outward as “microbursts.” These winds, in flat southern regions, kick up blinding walls of dust that reduce visibility on major interstates to zero in seconds, potentially causing multi-vehicle pileups.

State officials have launched awareness campaigns, urging “all residents and visitors to become familiar with the hazards associated with the Summer Monsoon,” advising them to review safety rules that could be life-saving or help prevent injury. 

New Mexico Redirects Seedling Program to Burned Forests, Betting on Recovery in a Warming Climate

Juan Oliveros
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New Mexico Redirects Seedling Program to Burned Forests, Betting on Recovery in a Warming Climate

New Mexico officials have made a far-reaching decision that it will no longer distribute limited tree seedlings primarily for conservation projects. Instead, the state will direct the seedlings to landscapes devastated by recent fires through the Conservation Seedling Program.

The decision by the New Mexico Forestry Division reflects the emerging reality across the American West, a region where wildfire scars now stretch across mountains, watersheds, and once-dense forests. The escalating climate crisis drives larger, more destructive wildfires; the challenge is no longer simply putting out fires. It is determining whether forests can be restored at all.

The Conservation Seedling Program will reserve thousands of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and other endemic seedlings for areas where wildfires have burned so intensely that natural regeneration is almost nil. Experts say the program could improve the chances of restoring forests from becoming grasslands or shrublands.

“With limited seedlings and a changing climate, we need to prioritize getting the right tree to the right place at the right time,” State Forester Laura McCarthy said in a news release. “We need to think about how the landscape functions and act with urgency. Our new Seedlings for Reforestation program aims to do exactly that.”

Why This Seedling Program Matters

The impact of the policy extends far beyond trees. Forests play a crucial role in protecting watersheds that supply drinking water to communities across the state. When severe fires burn vegetation along hillsides, rainstorms can trigger erosion, flash floods, and sediment runoff into rivers and reservoirs. Officials hope that accelerating reforestation efforts can stabilize vulnerable landscapes before those effects become permanent.

Reforestation is about rebuilding diverse species and ecological functions, not just planting trees. Preparation, local context, and community involvement are essential for long-term success.

The program redirection comes as New Mexico faces an unprecedented wildfire legacy. New Mexico’s most recent forest fire has burned at least 9,000 acres after being sparked by a fatal plane crash near Ruidoso. The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire in 2022, the largest wildfire, razed some 340,000 acres and will require about 18 million seedlings.

Millions of acres have burned across the state since 2020, including some of the largest and most destructive fires in its history. Many affected areas have lost mature seed-producing trees, leaving little chance for forests to regenerate.

Prevention to Recovery

Scientists warn that prolonged drought and rising temperatures further complicate recovery. In some severely burned regions, conditions have become so hot and dry that young trees struggle to survive without human intervention.

The new strategy aims to address that challenge by ecological alignment of seedlings. Trees grown from locally adapted seed sources are expected to enhance survival prospects under climate stress, potentially creating more resilient forests than those that existed before.

The program could provide access to technical expertise and affordable seedlings that would otherwise be difficult for private landowners, tribal communities, and local governments to obtain. The effort also allows forestry managers to concentrate scarce resources for maximum ecological benefits. It highlights the scale of the challenge facing New Mexico.

Experts estimate that restoring the forests burned by fire requires hundreds of millions of trees over the coming decades. The number exceeds the current production capacity. That reality has prompted state leaders to expand nursery infrastructure and establish the New Mexico Reforestation Center, which aims to increase seedling production.

The redirected seedling program represents a radical shift from prevention to recovery. It is an acknowledgment that some of New Mexico’s most signature woodlands cannot be left to heal on their own. Its success may help determine what the state’s landscapes look like in the future.

Advocating for Equity in Education: Principal Dooley Named Educator of the Year

Gregg Morgan
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Advocating for Equity in Education: Principal Dooley Named Educator of the Year

Educators mold students’ futures by teaching lessons that extend beyond the classroom and inspiring them to become better individuals. For teachers who serve students and families for years, witnessing their students succeed becomes their most rewarding achievement.

A school principal from Albuquerque Public Schools recently earned recognition for her hard work and dedication. Her feat proves that every educators’ efforts never go unnoticed. 

The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce honored Barcelona Elementary School Principal Rae Lynn Dooley on Thursday. The chamber presented her with its Educator of the Year award during the ceremony. 

The award recognizes educators who uplift students, particularly students of color, English learners, and those from economically disadvantaged families. It was presented during the Hispano Chamber’s Annual Education Excellence Awards ceremony. 

“It’s humbling,” Dooley said of the award. 

Dooley has served students and families at APS for the past 18 years. As she marks this success, she thanked her “equity-driven educators” for working hard to give students the best education possible. 

“At Barcelona, we have focused on rigorous grade-level instruction and helping students embrace challenges that lead to growth,” said Dooley. “Our teachers use data-driven collaboration and engage students in conversations about their own progress.”

The celebration also featured the presentation of the 2026 President Award to Amanda Aragon, executive director of NewMexicoKidsCAN. The organization awarded 132 scholarships, totaling over $120,000, to high school seniors, college students, and adult learners.

Dooley’s Leadership in Equitable Education

Dooley has pursued leadership experiences throughout her career. These roles provide a comprehensive understanding of the educational journey from early childhood through high school graduation.

She started as a high school English teacher. She has also served in various leadership roles, including special education assistant principal at West Mesa High School.

These experiences deepened her commitment to inclusive practices, equity-focused leadership and ensuring every student accesses meaningful opportunities for success. She supports students furthest from opportunity and builds systems that promote belonging, achievement, and high expectations for all.

Dooley strongly advocates for bilingual education, culturally responsive practices, and Latino educational advancement. Her leadership is further informed by her involvement with ALAS de Nuevo Mexico. There, she collaborates with fellow educators to advocate for equitable opportunities and leadership development. 

She believes schools thrive when they honor the strengths, identities, and voices of the communities they serve. The principal remains committed to preparing students for success in college, career, and life.

Governor Lujan Grisham is Calling on New Mexicans to Ditch the Grind and Transition Into a Career That Actually Matters. Here is How to Apply.

Juan Oliveros
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Governor Lujan Grisham is Calling on New Mexicans to Ditch the Grind and Transition Into a Career That Actually Matters. Here is How to Apply.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, with hundreds of jobs open across state agencies, is calling on New Mexicans — from recent graduates to mid-career professionals — to consider public service as a path to career growth and civic impact. In her social media post, the governor underscored the human element of government work in a state long struggling with workforce shortages, rural depopulation, and chronic challenges in health care, education, and infrastructure.

“Working for the State of New Mexico means making a meaningful difference for places you call home and the people who live here,” Governor Lujan Grisham wrote. “No matter where you are in your journey, you can explore hundreds of job opportunities across New Mexico and take the next step toward a career that matters.”

The message coincides with the listing of more than 500 job openings by New Mexico’s state personnel system. Job openings span fields such as corrections, behavioral health, environmental protection, information technology, and administrative roles. Officials highlighted competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth as they seek to fill vacancies that affect state residents.

State employment has long functioned as an economic anchor in New Mexico, especially in rural counties where public-sector jobs provide stability amid fluctuations in energy, tourism and federal spending. Lujan Grisham’s administration described recruitment as part of a wider initiative to build a more resilient workforce.

The governor has made workforce development a recurring theme. Her administration has promoted apprenticeships, partnered with higher education, and engaged in strategic recruitment in underserved communities.

Applicants can search job openings through the State Personnel Office portal at careers.share.nm.gov. Positions vary from entry-level support roles to specialized posts that require advanced degrees or technical expertise. The state offers a package of benefits, including health coverage, retirement plans, and, in some cases, pathways for internal career growth.

Three Injured in Southern New Mexico Due to Plane Crash

Ruben Reyes
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Three Injured in Southern New Mexico Due to Plane Crash

A crash in Doña Ana County International Jetport in southern New Mexico has left three people injured.

Authorities found out about a small, Cessna-style plane that crashed on airport property around 10:57 A.M., according to Sunland Park Fire Chief Daniel Medrano. Firefighters from Sunland Park and Doña Ana County arrived and found witnesses removed two people from the plane.

Two people were flown to an area hospital who are in serious but stable condition while an ambulance took the third person to the hospital in critical condition, according to Medrano. All of them sustained life-threatening injuries.

Medrano stated they’re still unsure which person was the pilot or what caused the crash. The New Mexico State Police will investigate the matter.

Sunland Park Fire Department, Doña Ana County Fire Rescue, El Paso Fire Department and Native Air also responded.

The investigation is still ongoing as limited information is available right now. Further updates about this case will be posted soon.

Moped Rider Dies In a Crash in Southeast Albuquerque

Ruben Reyes
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Moped Rider Dies In a Crash in Southeast Albuquerque

A man riding a moped (a lightweight, two-wheeled vehicle equipped with a small motor, typically 50cc or less) died Saturday afternoon. The collision happened at the area of Zuni Road and San Pablo Street, according to police reports.

According to investigation, the driver was found traveling southbound on San Pablo Street approaching the intersection at Zuni Road SE. Then, a 2007 Honda Sedan was travelling westbound on Zuni Road approaching San Pablo Street.

The moped entered the intersection against a red light at a high rate of speed. The Honda attempted to hit their breaks, but failed to do so.

The driver of the moped, who was not wearing a helmet, sustained significant injuries and was taken to University of New Mexico Hospital and was later proclaimed dead.

This goes to our motorist to remain vigilant on road and adhere to the traffic protocols implemented.

The investigation is still on-going and further updates will be posted soon.

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