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A community is grappling with grief and shock following a tragic chain of events that unfolded in the early hours of December 27, 2025, ending in the death of Leroy Saavedra, also known as Leroy Savedra, and leaving another man critically injured.
Police say the incident began shortly after 3:00 a.m., when officers were dispatched to the area of Molina Hill and Spring Street for what was initially reported as a possible overdose. When officers arrived, they instead encountered a severely injured man suffering from multiple deep knife wounds and heavy blood loss. Officers immediately rendered emergency aid and summoned paramedics.
Despite his condition, the victim was able to speak with police. He told investigators that he had been on the front porch of a nearby residence with Leroy Saavedra, where the two were using drugs, when Saavedra allegedly attacked him without warning using a knife. The victim was stabbed several times before managing to escape. He was rushed to Socorro General Hospital and later airlifted to an intensive care unit in Albuquerque, where he remains in critical condition.
When officers returned to the scene, they reportedly found significant amounts of blood on the porch and evidence suggesting someone had attempted to wash the area. A trail of blood consistent with the victim’s escape route was also documented as part of the investigation.
The situation escalated further around 4:40 a.m., when police responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on Spring Street. A woman told officers that Saavedra, identified as a family member, had come to her home requesting a ride. After she refused and shut the door, she later realized her vehicle was gone. The car was quickly entered into national law enforcement databases as stolen, and a regional alert was issued.
Just over an hour later, at approximately 6:08 a.m., authorities were notified by New Mexico State Police that the stolen vehicle had been recovered. During that update, investigators learned that Leroy Saavedra had died, reportedly as the result of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision in Doña Ana County.
The rapid sequence of violence, flight, and fatality has left families and residents struggling to process the loss. One life has ended, another remains in jeopardy, and many questions remain unanswered as multiple investigations continue.
Officials have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the fatal collision, and authorities say the case remains under active review.
As the community reflects on the tragedy, many are calling attention to the broader issues highlighted by the incident, including substance abuse, conflict escalation, and the need for early intervention and support. Thoughts remain with the injured victim fighting for recovery, the loved ones mourning Leroy Saavedra, and the first responders who confronted the devastating aftermath of the night’s events.
Further updates are expected as investigations progress.