Damacio Montano

Damacio S. Montano was a 31-year-old Valencia County Sheriff's Deputy who was known for his dedication to law enforcement. His brother, Eric Montano, was a New Mexico State Police officer, and the two shared a commitment to serving their community. Damacio was also a partner to fellow deputy Simon Heffron, who would later act as a spokesman for the family. Remembered by family and friends, his loss was a profound blow to those who knew him and to the law enforcement community in New Mexico.

In the early morning hours of October 6, 2002, Damacio and Eric Montano were off-duty at a restaurant in Los Lunas, New Mexico. A fight broke out between two women, and the brothers, acting on instinct, stepped in to help the bouncers manage the situation. As they were escorting the women out of the establishment, located near the intersection of Valencia Road and Route 47, a car approached. A man got out of the vehicle and opened fire with a handgun. Damacio Montano was shot in the back and died at the scene. His brother Eric was also shot, sustaining a wound to his hip, but he survived the attack. What began as an effort to de-escalate a minor conflict ended in a sudden and tragic act of violence.

The investigation into the homicide quickly identified three suspects: Michael Armendariz of Los Lunas, Nestor Chavez of Belen, and Sandra Baray of Los Lunas. The case against the primary suspect was significantly strengthened by security camera footage from the restaurant. The video captured the moments when Armendariz wounded Eric Montano and fatally shot Damacio Montano. This evidence became a crucial part of the prosecution's case.

Michael Armendariz was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the death of Damacio Montano and attempted murder for the shooting of Eric Montano. During his trial, prosecutors presented the security video as clear evidence of his guilt. The defense attorney, Jim Baiamonte, argued that the tape did not show the full context of the incident. He claimed that a drunken Damacio Montano had been "brawling" and was in the wrong place at the wrong time, suggesting the situation was more complex than the video showed.

On August 11, 2003, after deliberating for less than a day, a jury found Michael Armendariz guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder. The verdict brought a wave of emotion for the Montano family and their supporters in the courtroom. "The relief was just overwhelming," said Simon Heffron, Damacio's former partner. "A lot of people broke down. I think it's just the buildup of emotion that occurs and just the sudden release." Armendariz was subsequently sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 13 years.

The other two suspects, Nestor Chavez and Sandra Baray, also faced charges, including murder and attempted murder, in connection with the incident. Their trial was scheduled to begin in state district court the week after Armendariz's conviction. The successful prosecution of the shooter brought a measure of justice for the family of Damacio Montano, a deputy who lost his life while trying to keep the peace, even when he was off the clock.