Roosevelt County, New Mexico is reeling after 29-year-old Jamie Portillo was shot dead early on the evening of January 27, 2026, while driving along the quiet stretch of NM 236, just south of Roosevelt Road. Portillo’s truck was found still running with him unresponsive behind the wheel, and a bullet hole in the driver’s window. Sheriff’s deputies say he had multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
Deputies from the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office were called to the 1200 block of NM 236 shortly after reports of an unresponsive driver. When they arrived, they realized the scene was far from a simple roadside breakdown. Portillo was already dead, and spent shell casings littered the ground near his vehicle.
According to court records and surveillance footage reviewed by investigators, a vehicle believed to be driven by 27-year-old Jose Omar Santos pulled up beside Portillo’s truck near the 1300 block of NM 236 shortly before the shooting. Footage appears to show the suspect’s vehicle speeding after Portillo’s, then moments later Portillo’s truck with bullet damage.
Law enforcement later learned the two men had worked together at a local calf ranch. Court filings allege the pair had a dispute months earlier, and that Portillo was on his way to work while Santos was leaving, just before the fatal attack.
An arrest warrant was issued for Santos on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and shooting at or from a motor vehicle. He was tracked down the next day at a residence in Farwell, Texas, where he was taken into custody without incident with the help of state and local agencies.
During questioning, authorities say Santos confessed to shooting and killing Portillo. He remains in custody as the investigation continues and prosecutors prepare for formal proceedings. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers or the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office.
Friends and family have described Portillo as a hard worker with a gentle spirit, the sort of person who showed up early and laughed easily. His loss has left an entire community struggling to make sense of violence that touched them in a place many consider safe and familiar.
