Jonathan Cordova, 40, of Chimayo, New Mexico, was killed on December 29, 2024. A journeyman carpenter who enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was engaged to his fiancée Hilarie and was a father to daughter Alyssa; his obituary described him as respectful, loving and kind.

Authorities have charged 34-year-old Raymond Romero of Rio Chiquito with first-degree murder in connection with Cordova’s death. Romero was arrested the night of the killing in Española on a drug possession matter after a high-risk stop in a McDonald’s parking lot; police say cocaine was found and that Romero’s black Nissan Rogue was identified as the suspected vehicle in the homicide investigation. Court records in the case were sealed by Rio Arriba County Magistrate Alexandra Naranjo. Romero was booked into the Santa Fe County jail and released several days later.

Reports indicate the slaying may have been linked to a dispute over a $10 debt. The circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation. If anyone knew Jonathan or has information about the dispute or the vehicle involved, please share what is known.