The discovery of human remains in Santa Fe County has brought a heartbreaking update in the case of Joel “Deano” Valdez, a man who had been missing since September. Authorities confirmed that the remains найден along Caja del Rio Road have been identified as Valdez, marking a deeply emotional moment for his family after months of searching and uncertainty.
Valdez was last seen on September 21 after leaving work in Silver City and heading home to Coyote. Investigators later determined he had stopped at a gas station and ATM in Santa Fe, but he never made it home. His disappearance raised alarm, especially after family members reported that someone else had used his credit cards after he went missing.
New Mexico State Police say the cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Medical Investigator, and the case remains under active investigation. The circumstances surrounding how Valdez died and how his remains came to be discovered are still unclear, leaving many unanswered questions.
In a statement released through family attorney Rocky Rodriguez, the family confirmed the remains had been found, describing the moment as both devastating and a form of closure after a long and painful period. They emphasized that while this discovery ends months of uncertainty, it also begins a new chapter in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
The family expressed deep gratitude for the support they have received and respectfully asked for privacy as they grieve, while hoping that ongoing investigations will bring clarity and justice.
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