On September 25, 2023, Joseph Romo, a 42-year-old Hispanic man and 20-year employee of the City of Alamogordo, was fatally shot at about 2:32 p.m. in the 3000 block of North Florida Avenue at Hang Glider Park near Griggs Field. Responding officers found Romo with multiple gunshot wounds; he was treated by EMS and taken to Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

Investigators from the 12th Judicial District Major Crimes Unit took over the case. At the scene officers encountered a coworker, identified as Logan Jacobs, who admitted to shooting Romo multiple times after the two had arranged to meet at the park to settle a personal dispute. Jacobs was arrested and charged with murder; a judge ordered he remain in custody pending trial. The City of Alamogordo later terminated several Parks and Recreation Department employees.

Romo’s family described him as an amazing man, a devoted father, husband, and son, proud of his work at Monte Vista Cemetery, Desert Lakes Golf Course, and Parks and Recreation, and passionate about lowriders and time with loved ones. Does anyone who knew Joseph or witnessed the events at Hang Glider Park that afternoon have information to share?