RELEASE: Corrections work crew discovers human remains

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 22, 2026

Contact: Brittany Roembach

Public Information Officer, Corrections Department

Brittany.roembach@cd.nm.gov

505-382- 3541

Corrections work crew discovers human remains

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is investigating

CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M.—A New Mexico Corrections Department work crew discovered human remains on Tuesday, April 21 while conducting a roadside cleanup along westbound Interstate 40 near Casa Blanca in Cibola County, within the Laguna Pueblo.

The six-member crew, made up of minimum-security inmates from the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas, was conducting one of its regular cleanups along I-40 and I-25, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The Corrections Department provided behavioral health support to crew members and staff following the discovery.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is leading the investigation and has conducted interviews with those involved. Further inquiries should be directed to their office at IA_OJS_Media@bia.gov .

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The New Mexico Corrections Department (NMCD) is one of the largest state agencies in New Mexico. NMCD staff and volunteers are committed to delivering

evidence-based programs across correctional facilities and community supervision settings to support rehabilitation. Through these programs and services,

NMCD works to improve outcomes for justice-involved individuals and strengthen public safety statewide.