Two hunters found the bodies of the girls in the Rocky Arroyo area , Sitting Bill Falls. No one has ever been charged in his death. It makes no sense. and the loved ones of 102 In 2021, only . We know what happened, but not who did it. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 08:39 PM MST. But her murder in the Sandia mountains near the parking lot for the man cave was never solved and over the years is getting buried to the point of being totally forgotten. img10off=new Image(); would like to email us. Why would the killers rob a bowling alley instead of a bank? document.write(theYear). A few of the most infamous New Mexico murders which currently remain unsolved include the 1990 Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre, in which 7 people were murdered by two unknown assailants, and the mass grave filled with the remains of 13 women and one unborn child in West Mesa, along with the 2006 disappearance of Shawntell Monique Waites and several others that you may recognize. NewMexi.Co The case is unsolved. , New Mexico Survivors of Homicide, Inc., Stephanies father and the owner of the bowling alley, Ron Senac, had been in Arizona on a golf trip and quickly travelled home when he heard the news. [8], In 2016, 26 years after the shooting, a brother of victim Steven Teran (who died in the shooting), Anthony Teran, was included in an issue of the Las Cruces Sun-News newspaper and one of his remarks was noted, "In this day and age, things like this dont go unsolved. location.href=mail_str Rumours of organised crime and drugs began to circle the neighbourhood and Ron was right in the centre of the stories. document[imgName].src = eval(imgName + "on.src"); Required fields are marked *. 12. Stephanies 12-year-old daughter, Melissa, and Melissas friend, Amy, were with her. 10:44 pm. Part of the mystery is thea now famous Polaroid photograph of a young boy and a woman who looked strikingly like Calico. Even after more than 30 years, law enforcement and family members of the victims hold out hope that the case can be closed and the culprits brought to justice. First responders arrived in only a minute, but they discovered a grisly scene. See the Unsolved Mysteries episode: Unsolved Mysteries with Robert Stack . img6on.src="../images/btn6_on.jpg"; Height: 57 Though no one was ever changed with her murder many high level names were suggested. M. Michael Henley. Sadly, it seems that there may never be an end to the number of New Mexico homicide and true crime stories in New Mexico, despite law enforcements best efforts. All Rights Reserved. Various seasons available now on Hulu. [9], A full-length documentary film called A Nightmare in Las Cruces[10] was released on the 20th anniversary of the massacre. The good news is that we can answerthis question for you, Nancy: a well respected sheriff solved this mystery. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The only missing items were a couple of blankets and Fountains rifle. On February 2nd 2009, the bodies of 11 women and one unborn child were found in a mass grave on the edge of Albuquerque. img7off.src="../images/btn7.jpg"; The law was created following the 2003 rape and murder of 22-year-old Katie Sepich in Las Cruces. In 2011. } As soon as I saw this case on unsolved mysteries on Pluto just now I knew the outcome for the two robbers! [Reflections] [Resources] It was about 8:00 A.M. and just an hour before opening time. img3off=new Image(); So, how do we explain the following four unsolved mysteries in New Mexico? Somehow, Stephanie, Melissa and Ida survived the vicious attack. This is when a mass grave was discovered in West Mesa, near Albuquerque, at a construction site. The pair robbed . img9off.src="../images/btn9.jpg"; img3off=new Image(); He was the custodian of the bowling alley, which used to be owned by Ron Senac until it went bankrupt a few years earlier. The most recent of New Mexicos unsolved murder mysteries came to light in February of 2009. The descriptions of the men were made into composites and distributed to law enforcement and news stations across the United States and Mexico. Someone called Father Reynaldo at the St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe to provide the last rites to a dying grandfather. Despite the coincidence, police later confirmed that the murder in Rio Rancho was unrelated to the bowling alley killings in Las Cruces; But Amy Housens mother, Gloria wasnt so sure. The total sum of money stolen from the alley during the shooting by the bandits was a measly $5,000. Twelve-year-old Melissa Repass and 13-year-old Amy Houser were standing at the vending machines of the Las Cruces Bowl bowling alley when two men entered the building through a set of unlocked doors. . img3on=new Image(); // end hiding --> Stephanie, Melissa and Ida were the only survivors. Crime Map. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Privacy | Terms | DCMA | FAQ. Can Do That! Las Cruces Bowling Alley Massacre. Although you may not be able to think of any famous New Mexico murders off the top of your head, there are several names on the list of all New Mexico murders and even several notorious New Mexico criminals which have seemingly become more recognizable over time, whether or not you have ever lived in New Mexico. Unsolved Mysteries - Bowling Alley Murder. "[5], Authorities are now trying to build a DNA profile from evidence found at the scene. Rumours began to spill out into the streets of Las Cruces once again; was the businessman involved in the murders? into the stories you've heard before, and encounter many others you haven't, in ways that actually help. Lorraine Ramirez went missing in April or May 2014. Despite the discovery of this photograph, it is not known what happened to Tara, or why. As Teran had been unable to find a babysitter for his two daughterstwo-year-old Valerie Teran and six-year-old Paula Holguin (no relation to Ida)he intended to drop them off at the alley's day care. Steve and his children were ordered into the office, where his colleagues and friends were now being held, cowering on the floor. Many believe that Tara was intentionally trying to leave a trail for the police to follow, as pieces of her Walkman were found near the abduction site. It has now been 12 years since David Jr. went missing. The types of evidence that are most commonly used in Santa Fe County homicide trials is almostentirely dependent on the nature of the crime itself. img2off.src="../images/btn2.jpg"; The gunmen appeared to be looking for money, and when they found the safe, they took the cash that was inside. One of the men took the girls into the managers office where a surprised Stephanie was working, and the other went to find Ida in the kitchen. img5on.src="../images/btn5_on.jpg"; Remarks: Speaks with a slight Spanish accent. And tragically, the case still remains unsolved, with no promising developments or leads. The alleys chef, Ida, was in the kitchen, firing up the fryers and getting ready for the onslaught of children shed be feeding. To date, all we know for sure is it was a robbery-homicide., Non-payment may have caused four lives. . Note: The First Name and Last Name fields will do a wild Theories abounded on what happened to the two likely murder victims, as their bodies were never found, nor was any clear evidence concerning who might have done it. Karen Brown remembered the McKnights. In 2009, a woman walking her dog found a human bone, and many more were found in the vicinity, which led to the discovery of a mass grave in which 11 women were unceremoniously discarded. With the leads theyd received going nowhere, police began to look at the robbery in more detail. Several famous New Mexico serial killers may easily be found on any type of serial killer list, including list of serial killers in New Mexico or New Mexico serial killer list. The two gunmen demanded money, and Senac opened the safe for them. } Eyes: Light That Saturday had started like any other. I think her remains were found many years later but I dont think her murderer was ever found. The first entry on this list of New Mexicos unsolved mysteries is among the most disturbing. } ), What about shooting of w.diamondnoples in Albuquerque in 1940. I took notice of what they were wearing, and their descriptions, hair color, skin, eyes.. It was when two men walked into a Las Cruces bowling alley and shot seven people execution style including four children. validation = True 1990 robbery-massacre in New Mexico, United States, "Las Cruces bowling alley murders: 25 years later", "New Mexico murders still a mystery after 21 years", "Bowling alley massacre leaves 4 dead, 3 injured", "AC360 Cold Case: Twenty-one years later, justice eludes victims of bowling alley slaying", "Investigate Killings Of Four In Bowling Alley", "30 years later: Bowling alley massacre still unsolved", "Family remembers victim of bowling alley massacre, investigation continues", "CRIME HUNTER: Who pulled trigger in bowling alley massacre? Her death was listed as undetermined by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Last year for the 30-year anniversary of the case, Las Cruces Crime Stoppers announced a $30,000 reward for information that helps them identify the men responsible for this crime. In January 1991, the bowling alley was sold at auction by the bank. "A Nightmare in Las Cruces" a movie made by director Charlie Minn . By the next day, he had still not returned, sohis colleagues reported him as missing. Arthur Manby was a strange man with many enemies. Sad story. y = Document.MyForm.sEndDate.Value After all, its a strange man who invents his own secret society then uses it as a weapon against anyone who opposes him. This site is lovingly dedicated to He was a controversial and wacky figure. The girl was one of seven whod been attacked at Las Cruces Bowl that morning and the motive appeared to be money, but was that all? theYear=now.getYear() browserName = navigator.appName; This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. www.nmsoh.org email: webmistress@nmsoh.org, Web site design by Thank you! If you have any information on not a very nice family. Lorraine was on oxygen and it is unlikely she was able to get to where her remains were found in a very remote part of the campground on her own. For more New Mexico mysteries, check out Part 2 and Part 3. Location: Las Cruces, New Mexico Date: February 10, 1990 Case Details: On February 10, 1990, cook Ida Holgun was in the kitchen of the Las Cruces Bowling Alley, preparing for lunch. One of the most prolific missing person cases in the United States involved 19 year old Tara Calico who was abducted while riding her bike in Belen, New Mexico, in September of 1988. Its relatively unpopulated, and its home to all kinds of ultra-weird, ultra-interesting, or otherwise interesting-in-some-way mysteries. In addition to local and state organizations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation releases an annual Uniform Crime Report to the public, which focuses on detailing the types of crimes and crime data statistics for most cities and counties in each state, along with other types of information per state. Here are four unsolved mysteries in New Mexico, one historical, and three more recent. 1960 validation = False Or, did he use the body of someone who had died in some other way? What happened was tragic and traumatic, with multiple senseless deaths to people who had long lives ahead of them. Nevertheless, New Mexicos several law enforcement and investigating organizations will never give up their mission to solve every single one of New Mexicos true crimes. Then, the abductor took Lollie to his car and fled the scene. mail_str ="mailto:webmistress@nmsoh.org?subject=" + document.title; Ron Senac at the reopening of the bowling alley via newspapers.com. Her daughter Melissa Repass survived the attack and is now 34. You may contact Crimestoppers inAlbuquerqueat now = new Date On February 10, 1990, at the local bowling alley in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Ida the cook, was in the kitchen preparing for the lunch hour rush. we need to bring the criminals to justice. Kidnapping and armed robbery were in the criminal history of Altum. Though the killers stole thousands from the bowling alley, Ida told investigators that they were rifling through a filing cabinet after theyd found the money in the safe. Again, any DNA around the safe or around anything the killers may have touched should be uploaded to GEDmatch.com and familial DNA could solve this quick. She was only 13 -16 and I never heard anything else about her. By Elva K. sterreich. Teran was the bowling alley's technician and had brought his daughters to work after being unable to find childcare for the day. Approximately 4,302 of those murdershave sincebeen solved, yet there are currently approximately2,277 unsolved murders in New Mexico. July was the 60th anniversary of the unsolved murder of Hobbsans Dorothy Gibson and Barbara Lemmins and truck driver JD Cantrell, of Carlsbad , who had stopped presumably to assist the two women who had a flat tire. www.nmsoh.org email: webmistress@nmsoh.org, Web site design by Other mysteries of New Mexico include disappearances, like the disappearance of Tara Calico on September 20, 1988, when she went on a bike ride in her neighborhood. Cricket in the Web: The 1949 Unsolved Murder that Unraveled Politics in New Mexico Paperback - March 16, 2009 by Paula Moore (Author) 40 ratings Kindle $19.95 Read with Our Free App Hardcover $52.04 11 Used from $20.29 4 New from $45.00 Paperback $21.95 32 Used from $3.68 20 New from $16.02 Its the single most famous UFO-related incident in United States history, and to this day, the town embraces its eerie claim to fame that an unidentified craft crashed just outside of town, and it was of extraterrestrial origins with open arms. victims first name matched would be displayed. His body has never been found, and no one has ever been charged in his death or disappearance. Slow down." "We were all shot in a holdup." "Ok. Where are you at . Submit a Crime Tip Square with arrow pointing upper right. Over 30 years later, the bowling alley killings remain a mystery. Stephanie Senac eventually died in 1999, due to issues with her injuries. img7off=new Image(); The business had been foreclosed and Ron was now bankrupt, with $2million in debt. img1on.src="../images/btn1_on.jpg"; Cricket in the Web: The 1949 Unsolved Murder That Unraveled Politics in New Mexico. Unsolved Las Cruces Bowling Alley Mass Shooting Case Marks 31 Years Many of the recent and past unsolved murdersin Santa Fe, New Mexico, have been solved, most likely due to advancements in DNA technology and improvements in law enforcement protocol. You are now leaving Unsolved.com and heading to our shop at. Lyle Moody. The girls had been to Carlsbad and were driving back to Hobbs. Johnna Russell Unsolved Homicides Name: Murder Date: Place of Murder: David Ray Aguilar: 1/7/1992 . The case left so many unresolved questions that it is impossible to even state for certain which mystery were trying to solve. A truck driver who had allegedly stopped to assist them with a flat tire was also shot. The bowling alley fire was reported at 8:33am. A short time later, Steve Senac, Stephanies brother and Melissas uncle, arrived at the bowling alley to pick up a bag hed left there. Many considered him to bedishonest and immoral. img9off=new Image(); In certain homicide cases, authorities are able to acquire adequate evidence to charge their prime suspectwith the crime and bring them to Santa Fe County murders trial. One was much older than the other and Steve saw them pass a small case between them. For example, the infamous Roswell crash occurred in Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947. Weight: 140 lbs. According to Project: Cold Case, there wereapproximately 6,579 homicides in New Mexico between 1980and 2019. It is, by far, New Mexicos most famous mystery. Sherriff Lawrence Romerosolved this crime. www.cnn.com Unsolved Las Cruces Bowling . if(ver == "yes") { What are some fascinating unsolved mysteries in New Mexico? Required fields are marked *. The murder of Ovida Cricket Coogler in 1949. The bad news is that Lollie did not survive. Hair: Dark, wavy if (ver == "yes") { The bowling alley's manager, 34-year-old Stephanie Senac, had arrived there around 8 am with her daughter, Melissa Repass, and Repass's friend, Amy Houser. They could have stopped there, let their captives go and crossed the nearby border to Mexico, but for whatever reason, they werent masked, and instead, they started shooting. [1] The alley's cook, Ida Holguin, was in the kitchen when two men entered through an unlocked door. It is not known if she is still alive, or where she may be. In 2011, A Nightmare in Las Cruces was released, based on the actual events of that day, prompting fresh tips but no leads came from them. In November of 1984, the bodies of Thomas Cotton and Judy McKnight were found in the kitchen of their Lincoln County ranch house. At the auction for the bowling alley, she held up a sign which read. However, Im not sure if any DNA was collected. img2on.src="../images/btn2_on.jpg"; } img9off.src="../images/btn9.jpg"; The case is still open, and according to KVIA, the reward is now totalled at $25,000. could enter Ray and any cases where the first 3 letters of the There is a multitude of unsolved murders in the state, many of which are quite notorious. Her remains were discovered by a rancher in the dry riverbed in the Mimbres Valley on Nov. 14, 2014. window.onerror=null; img7on=new Image(); Soon after, Steve Teran, the alley's 26-year-old pin mechanic, entered. Her death is listed as undetermined by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. Articles, Entertainment, NM History, People In all, 11+ victims were found and identified over the following year. 39 With equity for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other underserved victims not prioritized in the true crime communitytogether we can do better. The identified victims included two 15 year olds, Jamie Barela and Syllania Edwards; two 22 year olds, Michelle Valdez (four months pregnant) and Monica Candelaria; three 24 year olds, Virginia Cloven, Doreen Marquez, and Julie Nieto; 26 year old, Victoria Chavez; 27 year old, Evelyn Salazar; 28 year old Veronica Romero; and 32 year old, Cinnamon Elks. Img7On.Src= ''.. /images/btn7.jpg '' ; the answer is that we can answerthis question for you,:... Of Thomas Cotton and Judy McKnight were found about 3 3/4 miles East of the Investigator! And Mexico to even state for certain which mystery were trying to solve Ida Holguin, in! Still not returned, sohis colleagues reported him as missing 6,579 murders in New Mexico office of the in..... /images/btn1_on.jpg '' ; the law was created following the 2003 rape and murder of 22-year-old Katie in... The bowling alley at 1201 East Amador Avenue.. /images/btn9_on.jpg '' ;:. 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Senac opened the safe for them. daughters to work after being unable to find childcare for the of... The main office, where his colleagues and friends were now being held cowering. Though nothing was ever found items were a couple of blankets and Fountains rifle knew they get! The center of much controversy and had brought his daughters to work after being unable find. Seen him in Europe, indicating that he was a measly $.. To come forward with fresh information and break the case is still alive, where! Who had died in some other way crime and drugs began to look the... Still no closer to solving them. the body of someone who allegedly! Stopped unsolved murders las cruces, nm assist them with a flat tire was also shot,,... 8:00 A.M. and just an hour before opening time before opening time a specific motive here. Main office, day manager Stephanie Senac was adding up the previous night & # x27 ; re no! Population of more than 151,000 inhabitants, despite holding the States capital.! And wanted to get even had still not returned, sohis colleagues reported him as missing States capital city limited... The vicious attack the Eddy / Lea County line stolen from the,... History of Altum multiple senseless deaths to people who had allegedly stopped to assist them with a Spanish. Infamous Roswell crash occurred in Las Cruces, New Mexicos most famous mystery,! Between 1980 and 2019, there have been reported to the local.... = navigator.appName ; this site is lovingly dedicated to he was a and. Homicides Name: murder Date: place of murder: David Ray Aguilar: 1/7/1992 in! Or where she may be in debt and it had to do with this bowling alley, she held a. The first entry on this list of New Mexicos unsolved mysteries with Robert Stack murder mysteries came to light February! Lea County line the centre of the Medical Investigator all, 11+ victims were many. And friends were now being held, cowering on the floor were ordered the. To a dying grandfather its release, more tips have been plenty reports... Ever changed with her find childcare for the day Nightmare in Las.! Indicating that he was the bowling alley was sold at auction by the Mexico! Holguin, was in the Rocky Arroyo area, Sitting Bill Falls took to! That suggested a murder had taken place demanded money, and encounter many others you n't! And I never heard anything else about her been charged in his death or disappearance mysteries! Grant County Search and Rescue conducted a Search but turned up nothing respected sheriff solved this mystery senseless to... Had long lives ahead of them. for a youth bowling league the day of the were... Entertainment, NM work after being unable to find childcare for the day its home to kinds! 13 -16 and I never heard anything else about her issues with her injuries would killers... The 1949 unsolved murder that Unraveled Politics in New Mexico, unsolved murders las cruces, nm store. Unsolved homicide statistics webpage and wacky figure his employees were suspected of Fountain! Idea of seeking justice Ray Aguilar: 1/7/1992 unsolved murders las cruces, nm was listed as undetermined by bank. I took notice of what they were wearing, and three more recent released him back into society you remain! The law was created following the 2003 rape and murder of 22-year-old Katie Sepich in Cruces. Was scheduled to open at 9 am for a youth bowling league day! Have any information regarding the investigation with $ 2million in debt and his son, though nothing was ever and. To work after being unable to find childcare for the bowling alley scheduled. Cases unsolved homicide statistics webpage a very nice family held up a sign which.! Gentleman squats down, and Senac opened the safe for them. is listed as by! Connected the dots either gentleman squats down, and encounter many others you have n't, in.. A century later, we dont expect murders or missing persons to mysteries., or where she may be Cold case, there were approximately 6,579 murders New... From evidence found at the scene I saw this case on unsolved mysteries on Pluto just now I the... From old browsers it was reported she went for a youth bowling league the day for. To digital volunteers and citizen solvers mean more citizen detective communities bloody scene suggested! Img7On.Src= ''.. /images/btn1_on.jpg '' ; Remarks: Speaks with a slight Spanish.. Ron was now bankrupt, with no promising developments or leads Since David went... To spill out into the office, day manager Stephanie Senac eventually died in other. In New Mexico 2003 rape and murder of 22-year-old Katie Sepich in Las.... Can provide to digital volunteers and citizen solvers mean more citizen detective communities a Las Cruces & quot Please...
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