Threats made against cleared suspect

LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KRQE) - Valencia County deputies are on alert after death threats came in Wednesday against a man who was cleared of charges for shooting to death a suspected burglar.

A judge ruled Wednesday that there was not enough evidence to prosecute Luke Sanchez in the fatal shooting of Gary Gabaldón.

One of the apparent threats came as the Sanchez family left the courtroom. A man wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Gabaldón said, "Dead man walking," to the family.

The man refused to identify himself to a News 13 photojournalist that had been recording video when the threat was made.

It was one of many threats against Sanchez that Valencia County Sheriff Rene Rivera heard about.

"I will not tolerate it," Rivera said.

He was informed of threats against Sanchez from his deputies earlier on Wednesday. Serious or not, Rivera took no chances. He ordered his deputies on alert Wednesday night along Gabaldón Road where the two families live.

"Anytime anyone makes a threat like that we got to take it seriously, especially when we had something that took place between the families." Rivera said. "Therefore, I had instructed my deputies to make sure they patrol the area and make sure that if they call 911 we get there as soon as we can.”

If the Sanchez family files a formal report, the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department could consider harassment charges against anyone making threats.

After being cleared on all charges for shooting Gabaldón, Luke Sanchez addressed the media.

"I'm just accepting of the judge's ruling and I hope the Gabaldón family accepts the judge's ruling," Sanchez told reporters. "I believe justice was served today."