Murder case at Taos Pueblo still under wraps

A joint FBI and Taos Pueblo investigation into the suspected murder of two adults found dead at a tribal residence June 1 remains active, but continues on in secret.

Even the names of the two victims – alluded to by many on social

‘By policy, the FBI must protect the privacy of victims and their relatives.’ — Frank Fisher , FBI Public Affairs Officer

media, but so far confirmed by no official source – are still being withheld.

“By policy, the FBI must protect the privacy of victims and their relatives, so I cannot disclose the information you request,” said FBI Public Affairs Officer Frank Fisher in response to a request for an update this week.

The “Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance” followed by federal agencies like the FBI states that private information typically shielded from the public “includes Social Security numbers, bank account information, dates of birth and, in some circumstances, may include an individual’s identity, address, contact information or location.”

So far, the FBI has only confirmed that two people were killed on pueblo land and that no suspects have been arrested. Earlier this month, Fisher said agents agreed that murder investigations at Taos Pueblo are rare.

A dispatch log obtained by The Taos News suggested the residence where the deceased were found was located on the 1000 block of Goat Springs Road.

Pueblo officials have declined to comment, and tribal members asked to shed light on what happened, even anonymously, have also declined to say anything, citing fears of repercussions in the pueblo’s small community. An estimated 1,135 people live at the pueblo, according to a 2010 report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Fisher said he would reach out to the victim’s family to see if they wished to confirm the identities of the deceased or share any information with the media.

On a Facebook post for a June 6 Taos News story, Christine Romero urged the public to share information that might lead to an arrest.

“If anybody has seen anything come forward please. My family did not deserve this,” she wrote.

While the public is anxious for answers, Fisher urged patience as the investigation continues.

“There is a lot of work involved,” he said.

Tips can be submitted to the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or at tips.fbi.gov.