On June 20, 2023, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau responded to a homicide at 437 County Road B27 in Chapelle, New Mexico. That evening, a New Mexico State Police officer conducting a traffic stop was approached by a man who reported that his son had just shot someone.

Officers responded to the scene and located 36-year-old Juanito Baca of Las Vegas, NM, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. An arrest warrant was issued, and with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, suspect Melecio Anthony Baca II was arrested in Albuquerque on June 23, 2023.

On July 10, 2025, during an ongoing jury trial, Melecio Baca pled guilty to Second-Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. He was sentenced to 18 years, with five years suspended and 13 years to be served in the custody of the New Mexico Department of Corrections, followed by supervised probation. As part of the plea, Baca also waived his right to appeal.

New Mexico State Police remains committed to thorough investigations and working alongside our justice partners to ensure accountability and public safety.