New Mexico Sheriff Found Dead at Home

Rio Arriba County deputies found Sheriff Sheriff Billy Merrifield dead at his home Sunday. The death is under investigation by the New Mexico State Police.

April 22, 2025

Rio Arriba County (New Mexico) Sheriff Billy Merrifield died unexpectedly at home. He was found by deputies Sunday.Rio Arriba County SO

Rio Arriba, New Mexico, County Commissioners swore in new Sheriff Lorenzo Aguilar on Monday morning after a unanimous vote, a day after former Sheriff Billy Merrifield died unexpectedly at his home.

Aguilar was previously the public information officer with the Sheriff's office, KOAT reports.

"I can't even describe it," Aguilar told KOAT. He reflected on Merrifield's death, saying, "It's a huge loss."

Aguilar said Rio Arriba deputies found the Sheriff on Sunday.

New Mexico State Police is leading the death investigation.

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