UPDATE UPDATE…Friday, July 22.
RPD Chief John Garcia informed KRTN on Friday morning that a suspect has been identified in the case, but could not release the suspects identity while evidence is being gathered for a possible arrest warrant.
Garcia said no new additional information or breaks in the case have occured as the investigation continues.
On Wednesday, July 20th at approximately 9:33 am, Raton Police, Colfax County Sheriff’s Deputies and Raton EMS were dispatched to 708 Sugarite Ave. in Raton in reference to a female not conscious or breathing.
When officers arrived on the scene they located the female victim, identified as Mandy Vanlandingham, 36, of Raton in the bathroom area with a noticeable wound to her lower right abdomen. Vanlandingham was unresponsive and EMS was unable to resuscitate her.
An autopsy has been ordered by the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) and a search warrant was obtained for the residence and the scene and was processed by the Raton Police Dept. with the assistance of the NM State Police and the Colfax County Sheriffs Office.
The incident is being investigated as a homicide, and anyone with any information related to this case is asked to contact the Raton Police Department immediately at 575-445-2704.
