Deputy Jerry Arnold Martinez, 30, was killed on January 26, 1991, while serving a temporary restraining order in Chimayó, New Mexico. Martinez and State Police Sgt. Glen Huber were dispatched to the home of Ricky Abeyta after Abeyta’s estranged girlfriend, Ignacita Vasquez Sandoval, obtained the order. When the officers arrived Abeyta opened fire with a 7.65 mm rifle; Martinez was shot twice in the head and Huber was shot through the window of his car.

Abeyta then continued into the home and killed Sandoval, her daughter Maryellen Sandoval, Maryellen’s boyfriend Macario Gonzales, their 5-month-old son Justin Gonzales, and Sandoval’s sister Cheryl Rendon. Sandoval’s 13-year-old son Eloy was wounded and survived. Abeyta was taken into custody the next day, charged in the shootings, and later received a 146-year sentence on December 20, 1991.

The killings had a deep impact on the Chimayó community and law enforcement. Does anyone have memories of Deputy Martinez or information about the family that could add context to what happened that day?