Thomas Cotton McKnight and his wife Judy were found shot to death in the kitchen of their ranch house in southeastern Lincoln County, New Mexico, on November 15, 1984. McKnight, born November 14, 1952, was a prominent local figure who had served as chairman of the Lincoln County Commission from 1978 to 1982. The couple had last been seen alive on November 13, 1984, and both sustained fatal gunshot wounds described as execution-style. Investigators reported no signs of forced entry, leading to the belief the victims likely knew their assailant or assailants.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department led the initial investigation with assistance from the New Mexico State Police, though the state police withdrew in December 1984. Public friction over investigative approaches and evidence handling was reported, including criticism from District Attorney James Weldon and from Cotton McKnight’s father, Joe McKnight. An investigative grand jury in August 1985 recommended continuing the probe but returned no indictments. The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office and state police opened a joint investigation in September 1985. Over time several people were considered persons of interest, including Phil Baiers, Anthony Fabry, Joe McKnight, Donald Poncho McKnight, and sheriff candidate Charlie Cox, but no arrests were made and the case went cold.

Does anyone with knowledge of Lincoln County in 1984 or who knew the McKnights have information that could help reopen leads?