A 67-year-old man reported missing on New Year’s Day has been found dead in what authorities are investigating as a homicide, with four individuals arrested in connection with the case.
Albert Bernard Peña of Mountainair was found Friday by search and rescue personnel near Alamogordo, according to the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. His body has been turned over to the Office of the Medical Investigator for identification and determination of cause and manner of death.
Peña was reported missing to the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 1. During the initial investigation, authorities determined he was last seen at a local establishment in Willard on Dec. 30.
After extensive investigative efforts, the Otero County Sheriff’s Office obtained information Jan. 9 regarding Peña’s possible whereabouts. Members of the Otero County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Alamogordo Police Department, Ruidoso Police Department, High Rolls Fire Search and Rescue Team, Major Crimes Unit and Narcotics Enforcement Unit conducted an extensive search in the High Rolls area.
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, authorities said. The case is being investigated as a homicide.
“We want to thank the Torrance County Sheriff’s Office and all agencies involved for their valuable assistance throughout this investigation,” said Otero County Undersheriff Raul Robles. “This case involved extensive coordination and long hours, and their support was critical.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and no further details are available at this time.
Community mourns beloved resident
Mountainair Mayor Peter Nieto issued a statement expressing the town’s grief over Peña’s death.
“The Town of Mountainair is deeply saddened by the passing of Albert Peña,” Nieto said. “We urge anyone with information related to this case to please contact law enforcement so that those responsible may be brought to justice.”
Nieto recalled Peña’s participation in the town’s Christmas parade last month, where he drove his classic truck adorned with lights.
“He was so excited to participate, driving the route once before the parade even began and again during the parade itself,” Nieto said. “His enthusiasm and joy were contagious, and he brought smiles to many who lined the streets that evening.”
Family expresses gratitude
Albuquerque City Council President Klarissa Peña, Peña’s sister-in-law, released a statement on behalf of the family expressing gratitude for community support.
“While this journey did not end with the outcome we so desperately hoped for, we are profoundly moved by the swell of support that rose up to meet us,” she said.
Albert Peña was born Sept. 29, 1958, in Mountainair to Magdalena Garcia and Ernesto Peña. As the oldest of five children, he set a standard of strength and integrity for his siblings, the family said.
“Albert was a man of the mountains who found joy in the simple, honest things in life,” the family statement said. “A talented man who ‘knew how to fix anything,’ he was truly one of the hardest-working people you could ever meet.”
Peña had a passion for classic cars and motorcycles and loved visiting friends and family. He is survived by one child, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
“Albert was a man of integrity who will be loved dearly and missed forever,” the family said.
The family thanked law enforcement agencies for their work in locating Peña and asked for patience as investigators work to provide answers.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Otero County Sheriff’s Office at 575-437-2210.
