On February 3, 2019, 21-year-old Josue Orosco of Lovington, New Mexico, was abducted from a motel in Hobbs and driven to a remote field off Stiles Road between Hobbs and Lovington. There he was beaten and shot; law enforcement found his body after a search, and an autopsy listed gunshot wounds to the head and pelvis with hypothermia as a significant contributing factor. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Investigators developed four suspects. Justin P. Bates, 24, of Hobbs, was charged with murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Israel V. Beltran-Venegas, 27, of Hobbs, admitted involvement and was charged with kidnapping. Hector Aguilar of Hobbs was arrested and charged with kidnapping. Diego Garcia, 32, of Hobbs, was wanted for accessory to murder and kidnapping and was later captured after a high-speed, multi-state pursuit and held for extradition.

Anyone with information about Josue Orosco, his movements before February 3, 2019, or the events in the Hobbs-Lovington area is asked to come forward.