Cops probe missing woman's ex-boyfriend

LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) - Investigators trying to track a Corrales woman who disappeared two months ago have seized her ex-boyfriend's pickup apparently for forensic testing, KRQE News 13 has learned.

Two weeks ago investigators searched the man's Los Lunas home, and over the weekend took clothing belonging to him.

No charges have been filed, and officially the disappearance of Sandra Sanchez, 43, remains a mystery.

"I feel good about it that they're doing something for us," Steven Maestas, Sanchez's brother, told News 13.

However Sanchez's family has suspected the ex-boyfriend has something to do with her absence, and now police appear to be acting on that suspicion.

"The State Police crime lab was at his house two weeks ago, and now we've heard that they've impounded his vehicle," Sanchez's brother Dennis Maestas, said. "We are hopeful they will have some answers for us now."

News 13 met with Sanchez's brothers Monday at the place where she was last seen, a Walgreens on Main Street NW near Interstate 25 in Los Lunas.

Surveillance video recorded on April 3 showed Sanchez buying a few items and leaving.

Family and friends have done everything from searching on foot to putting up signs.

"To tell you the truth, I don't know what to think no more," Steven Maestas said. "I've thought the worst, and I don't know what to think no more."

Meanwhile, Sanchez's ex-boyfriend is not talking to police.

Los Lunas police confirmed with their investigation continues.

"I do feel good about that," Steven Maestas said. "We see something getting done, and they probably been doing stuff.

"They can't tell us stuff, so we feel real helpless and not knowing stuff."

Meanwhile, Sanchez's brothers continue to offer a reward for any information on what happened to their sister.

Meanwhile Albuquerque police continue to search for another woman who disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Albuquerque Public Schools teacher Ellen Roth vanished May 3.

Police reported a search of her condo turned up no leads as did the recovery of her van, which was found abandoned at a southeast Albuquerque apartment complex with the keys in the ignition and a switched license plate.