- Albuquerque mayor seeks reelection; Could face 3 contenders
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller has formally declared his candidacy for reelection. The 43-year-old Albuquerque native made the announcement Monday. There are at least three possible contenders hoping to unseat Keller. Among those candidates is Nicholas Bevins, a 25-year-old grassroots activist. Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III has submitted a candidate registration form for the race. But the Albuquerque Journal reports that Gonzales has declined to confirm he's running, saying earlier this month he filed the paperwork to "better explore" a potential run. Patrick Ben Sais also has filed a candidate registration for the mayoral race.
- Navajo Nation reports no new coronavirus cases and no deaths
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases and no deaths. It was the second consecutive day that the tribe has not recorded a coronavirus-related death. The death toll remains at 1,233 since the pandemic began with the number of confirmed cases at 30,007 on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The Navajo Nation had a soft reopening last week with 25% capacity for some businesses under certain restrictions. Still, mask mandates and daily curfews remain. Tribal health officials say more than 191,000 vaccine doses have been distributed.
- Police: New Mexico charges coming after killings in 2 states
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say charges are imminent against a man suspected of killing his ex-wife and three others in New Mexico in a series of slayings that included the beating death of a New Jersey resident he claimed sexually abused him as a child. Investigators over the weekend searched a house where Sean Lannon, his ex-wife and their children were believed to have lived in Grants, New Mexico. A police official wouldn't specify what investigators were looking for, only that the warrants were for anything of "evidentiary value." Lannon is in custody in New Jersey. Authorities also are still looking into his claims that he killed 11 other people in New Mexico.
- Number of Navajo Nation COVID-19 cases surpasses 30,000
The Navajo Nation has reported nine new COVID-19 cases but no new deaths, pushing the total number of cases since the pandemic past 30,000. The latest numbers released Sunday bring the tribe's pandemic total to 30,0007 confirmed cases. The number of known deaths remains 1,233. The Navajo Nation had a soft reopening last week with 25% capacity for some businesses under certain restrictions. Still, mask mandates and daily curfews remain. Tribal President Jonathan Nez reiterated in a statement the importance of getting vaccinated. However, he says those who are vaccinated should not take vacations or hold large in-person gatherings with the ongoing spread of COVID-19 variants.
- Police: Toddler fatally struck by vehicle driven by father
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities in New Mexico say a 2-year-old boy has died after being hit by a vehicle driven by his father in Albuquerque. The Albuquerque Journal reported that Albuquerque police spokesperson Gilbert Gallegos said the boy's family was preparing to leave their home Sunday around noon when the child was struck by the car. Gallegos said the "tragic accident" happened when the boy's mother was loading her other children and items into an SUV when the toddler at her side walked toward a truck the father was driving. Gallegos said the vehicle was slowly pulling forward, knocking the child to the ground and running him over. The boy died at the scene.
- New Mexico reports 176 new COVID-19 cases, but no new deaths
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Health officials in New Mexico on Sunday reported 176 more confirmed COVID-19 cases but no additional deaths. The latest numbers increasing the state's pandemic totals to 189,731 cases and 3,889 known deaths. Of the new cases, Bernalillo County had 56 of them with Dona Ana County having 20, Curry County 16 and Lea County 14. Bernalillo, the state's largest county that includes metro Albuquerque, had 54,052 of New Mexico's total cases since the pandemic began. The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
- Official confirms man now linked to 5 deaths
NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities are still investigating claims made by a man charged in a New Jersey slaying who has said he killed a total of 16 people in multiple states. A law enforcement official confirmed Sunday that Sean Lannon is the primary suspect in the killing of his ex-wife and three others found in a car in New Mexico. The official, who had direct knowledge of the probe, could not discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The official says investigators are searching missing persons records and other police reports to try to identify any potential victims.
- Albuquerque Fire officials: Man has died in a house fire
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Authorities say a man has died in a house fire in Albuquerque. City fire crews responded to a single-family home around 6:15 a.m. Sunday and extinguished the blaze within 15 minutes. Albuquerque Fire Department officials say one man got himself out of the home safely, but another man was found in the back bedroom. They say the man was evacuated from the house, but had already died. The fire was mainly confined to the attic with major smoke damage throughout the home. Authorities say no other injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.