Vanessa Marie Najera, 29, of Hobbs, New Mexico, was killed on November 18, 2022. Authorities treated her death as a homicide and quickly developed a suspect in the case.

Thirty-six-year-old Tony Guadalupe Navarrete, also of Hobbs, was charged with first-degree murder in November 2022. An arrest warrant was issued by the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, and Navarrete was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals. Prosecutors allege premeditation by pursuing a first-degree murder charge; the investigation included evidence gathering and interviews that led to the arrest.

The case is pending in the judicial system and will proceed toward trial. If anyone knew Vanessa, Tony Navarrete, or observed events in Hobbs around November 18, 2022, please share information with investigators.