Man charged with murder

States he shot girlfriend in self-defense

Taos County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 46-year-old Julian Sandoval on suspicion of

shooting and killing his partner, Ramona Marie Sandoval, also 46, Friday night (Jan. 7) at the couple’s residence on Los Cordovas Road

south of Taos, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

Julian Sandoval is currently being held at the Taos County jail on one open count of first-degree

murder; one count of aggravated

battery; and one count of assault with intent to commit a violent

felony on a household member. He was arraigned in Taos Magistrate Court on Monday morning (Jan. 10).

Deputies responded to the Los Cordovas Road residence after

receiving a 911 call, but the affidavit does not specify who placed the call. Upon arrival, the affidavit

states that Sandoval told the deputies that his “girlfriend came at him with a baseball bat and that he shot her.” Despite the fact the couple shared the same last name, Taos County Undersheriff Steve Miera said Sandoval did not refer to the woman as his wife.

Deputies found her deceased with a gunshot wound to her chest on a bedroom floor in the

house. A representative with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator also arrived at

the scene and confirmed she had died of the injury. The court document did not state whether or not a bat was found at the scene. The affidavit states that Sandoval requested a lawyer after deputies read him his Miranda Rights. Because there are no other witnesses to the shooting, Taos County Undersheriff Steve Miera said in a phone interview with the Taos News Monday (Jan. 10) that the investigation will take some time to complete.

The state has filed a motion for pretrial detention in the case,

stating they believe Sandoval to be a danger to others if released. A

hearing is set for Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. in front of Judge Emilio Chavez.