The U.S. Marshals New Mexico’s Most Wanted Program Proves Successful Once Again

Santa Fe, NM - November 15, 2014, the U.S. Marshals Service in New Mexico and Colorado worked together to bring the alleged killer and New Mexico’s most wanted fugitive, Ricardo “Ricky” Martinez to justice.

Friday, November 7, 2014, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Detectives identified Ricardo “Ricky” Martinez as a murder suspect in the Santa Fe County murder of an 18 year old male and a 13 year old female in Santa Fe, NM.

Martinez was placed on the United States Marshals Service “New Mexico’s Most Wanted Program” on Friday, November 14. This swift arrest was accomplished as a result of the quick response initiated by the SWIFT Task Force. The U.S. Marshals Service, Southwest Fugitive Task Force also known as SWIFT, developed information that Martinez fled to Colorado Springs, CO. SWIFT members immediately contacted their U.S. Marshals counterparts from the Colorado Violent Fugitive Task Force in the District of Colorado.

As a result, in the early morning hours on November 15th, members of the U.S. Marshals Service from both task forces descended upon the suspected murderer’s hideout in Colorado Springs and took Ricardo “Ricky” Martinez into custody.

United States Marshal for the District of New Mexico Conrad E. Candelaria said, “Deputy United States Marshals from New Mexico and Colorado, along with task force members worked tirelessly throughout the night and early morning hours. With neither rest nor sleep, every tip and investigative lead was exhausted, traveling and covering hundreds of miles between New Mexico and Colorado throughout the last 24 hours. His whereabouts were finalized with a Crime Stoppers Tip that resulted in the apprehension of a dangerous criminal that will be extradited back to Santa Fe, New Mexico to face justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones that have endured the pain caused and it is our hope that this arrest will assist in bringing closure.”

Chief Deputy Marshal for the District of Colorado, Ken Deal said, “We are very pleased that this fugitive was quickly and safely taken into custody. I hope this sends the message that Colorado will not be a safe haven for violent offenders."