A disturbing chain of events unfolded during the early morning hours of December 27, 2025, leaving one man critically injured and another dead after a violent stabbing, a reported vehicle theft, and a fatal collision. What initially appeared to be a medical emergency quickly escalated into a complex and tragic investigation that has shaken the local community.
At approximately 3:05 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Molina Hill and Spring Street following a report of a male possibly overdosing. When officers arrived, they immediately realized the situation was far more serious. A man was found suffering from multiple deep lacerations, bleeding heavily, and in critical condition. Officers quickly requested emergency medical services and began administering medical aid at the scene.
Despite his severe injuries, the victim was able to speak with officers. He told them he had been on the front porch of a residence, smoking methamphetamines with a man he identified as Leroy Saavedra, when he was suddenly attacked. According to the victim, Saavedra stabbed him multiple times without provocation using a knife. EMS transported the victim to Socorro General Hospital with life-threatening injuries, and he was later airlifted to an intensive care unit in Albuquerque, where he remains in critical condition.
Officers returned to the original scene to continue their investigation. There, they discovered large amounts of blood on the front porch, along with water that appeared to have been used in an attempt to wash away evidence. Investigators also located a blood trail consistent with the victim’s direction of travel as he fled the scene, further confirming the violent nature of the assault.
At approximately 4:41 a.m., officers received another call, this time reporting a stolen vehicle on Spring Street. Officers spoke with a woman who said her family member, Leroy Saavedra, had come to her home asking for a ride. After she refused and closed the door, she later discovered that her vehicle was missing. The vehicle was immediately entered into NCIC as stolen, and a BOLO was issued to surrounding law enforcement agencies.
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