For Immediate Release
November 9, 2020
NM State Police Investigate a Double Homicide in San Miguel County
San Miguel County- On November 8, 2020, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate a double homicide that occurred at 409 Peggy Lee Lane in Las Vegas, NM at the request of SMCSO.
At approximately 2:57 p.m., the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office (SMCSO) responded to a report of an irate male subject who was inside his residence armed with a handgun at 409 Peggy Lee Lane in Las Vegas, NM. The male subject was identified as Alejandro Alirez (23) of Las Vegas, NM.
During a welfare check by SMCSO Deputies, Alirez barricaded himself inside the residence and began shooting multiple rounds towards the approaching Deputies. The Deputies retreated for their safety and took cover behind their patrol units. A SMCSO patrol unit was struck by gunfire. All Deputies were reported to be OK and no injuries were reported. Deputies learned there were two other individuals inside the residence with the Alirez. The New Mexico State Police Tactical Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were called to assist SMCSO.
During the standoff, Agents Las Vegas Police Department notified SMCSO Deputies and the New Mexico State Police Tactical Team the incident was being livestreamed on social media via Facebook Live. New Mexico State Police Crises Negotiators made contact with Alirez via telephone. Crises Negotiators were able to get Alirez to walk out of the residence through the back door and surrender peacefully. Alirez was taken into custody without further incident.
During a search of the residence, officers located two deceased victims inside of the residence. Both victims sustained apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Cristal Cervantes (33) and Victor Cervantes (89), who resided at the residence at 409 Peggy Lee Lane in Las Vegas, NM.
Agents observed that Alirez livestreamed a portion of the event, including Alirez walking around inside the residence with a handgun and shooting Cristal Cervantes who was inside the residence with Alirez. State Police Agents have obtained a search warrant to review the livestream on Facebook.
On November 8, 2020 an arrest warrant was issued for Alirez through the the San Miguel County Magistrate Court. Alirez was charged with the following:
- Open Count of Murder in the 1st Degree (2 Counts) (Felony)
- Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer with a Deadly Weapon (4 Counts) (Felony)
- Shooting at Inhabited Dwelling or Occupied Building (Felony)
For additional details into the initial call please contact the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office. No other information is available.
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