SANTA FE – On June 9, 2024, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was requested to investigate an officer-involved shooting involving the Espanola Police Department (EPD).
Investigations Bureau agents learned that around 6:15 p.m., an EPD officer located a stolen Jeep SUV at a Walgreens parking lot. As the officer approached the stolen vehicle, the passenger door opened, and a male fled from the scene. The officer then issued verbal commands to the driver, identified as Jeffrey Martinez, 28. During the encounter, the officer discharged their duty weapon, striking Martinez.
Officers rendered aid until paramedics arrived and transported Martinez to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. No officers were injured in the incident.
The identities of the involved EPD officers will not be disclosed by the New Mexico State Police. For details on their duty status or any administrative actions, please contact the Espanola Police Department.
New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently establish the sequence of events leading to the shooting. This includes gathering evidence and conducting interviews. The investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for review.
The New Mexico State Police functions solely as a fact-finding body in officer-involved shootings and does not determine whether an officer’s actions were justified. That determination is made by the district attorney’s office. The investigation by the New Mexico State Police remains ongoing.