In Loving Memory of Amity Maes

In Loving Memory of Amity Maes

MORA, N.M. — A domestic violence incident in Mora County ended in tragedy Sunday after a 34-year-old woman was found unresponsive along New Mexico Highway 518 and later pronounced dead at the scene. New Mexico State Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, as well as a subsequent confrontation involving a man who authorities say returned to the area armed with a handgun.

The incident prompted a significant law enforcement response along NM-518, with authorities warning motorists and residents to avoid the area near mile markers 28 through 32 while officers worked to secure the scene.

According to New Mexico State Police, officers responded at approximately 11:05 a.m. Sunday to reports of a domestic violence incident involving individuals traveling in a silver Ford pickup truck. The vehicle was reportedly traveling north on NM-518 near milepost 29 in Mora County when witnesses reported seeing a man strike a woman inside the truck.

A second witness reportedly told authorities that the man appeared to be holding the woman in a headlock. The reports prompted officers to respond to the area to locate the people involved and ensure the woman’s safety.

When officers arrived, they found the woman lying motionless in the roadway. Officers and paramedics immediately assessed her condition, but despite their efforts, she could not be saved.

The woman was identified as 34-year-old Amity Maes. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death has left family, friends and others who knew her facing an unimaginable loss. While investigators continue working to determine exactly what happened, Maes is being remembered as a person whose life ended suddenly amid a devastating domestic violence incident.

The investigation continued approximately an hour later when authorities reported that the man involved had returned to the area.

At around 12:05 p.m., according to NMSP, 24-year-old Alejandro Vigil returned in the same silver Ford pickup truck. Officers said Vigil then led law enforcement officers on a pursuit along NM-518 before eventually stopping near milepost 27.

Authorities said Vigil exited the vehicle while armed with a handgun. The encounter resulted in a shooting involving law enforcement officers, and Vigil was taken into custody with injuries, according to New Mexico State Police.

The circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting remain under investigation. Authorities have not released all details regarding the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, including the actions of the officers and Vigil during the confrontation.

The investigation is expected to examine witness accounts, evidence from the roadway and vehicles, available video, communications between officers and other evidence gathered at the scene. Investigators will also work to establish a complete timeline of the domestic violence call, Maes’ death, Vigil’s return to the area and the subsequent pursuit and shooting.

Officials urged members of the public to stay away from the affected portion of NM-518 while the investigation was underway. The heavy law enforcement presence reflected the seriousness of the situation and the need to preserve evidence and maintain safety in the surrounding area.

For those who knew Maes, however, the investigation is only part of a much deeper story of loss. A life that had meaning to family members, friends and loved ones came to a sudden and heartbreaking end.

Domestic violence can have devastating consequences, and incidents can escalate rapidly. Maes’ death underscores the profound human cost that can result when violence enters a relationship or household.

As investigators work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy, loved ones are left to mourn a woman whose life was cut short at just 34 years old.

The New Mexico State Police investigation remains active. Additional information about the case, including investigative findings and any future criminal proceedings, may be released as authorities continue their work.

May Amity Maes be remembered with love, dignity and compassion. May her family and friends find strength and comfort as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.