Sep 20, 2022

SW Kansas woman accused of hiding murder suspect

Posted Sep 20, 2022 2:00 PM
Aguilera Gamboa-photo Finney County
Aguilera Gamboa-photo Finney County

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a southwest Kansas woman in connection with a murder investigation in New Mexico.

On September 16, the Valencia County New Mexico Sheriff's Office contacted the Garden City Police Department regarding a homicide suspect believed to be in Garden City, according to a statement from the police department.

Karla Aguilera-photo New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Karla Aguilera-photo New Mexico Department of Public Safety

It was learned that 50-year-old Rosalio Aguilera Gamboa  had an active felony warrant for Homicide after his wife, 37-year-old Karla Aguilera of Tome was reported missing by family members on Sept. 6. Torrance County officials said a body was found Sept. 14, near the Mountainair and Highway 60 area and an autopsy confirmed it was Aguilera. According to a criminal complaint, she was shot four times.

The warrant also accused Aguilera Gamboa of Abuse of a Child, and Tampering with Evidence from the state of New Mexico.

Through further investigation, a search warrant was obtained for the residence of 324 N. 10th Street in Garden City to locate Aguilera Gamboa. Due to his violent tendencies, the Garden City/Finney County SWAT team responded to assist and serve the search warrant.

Nevarez-Aguilera-photo Finney County
Nevarez-Aguilera-photo Finney County

Just after 2:00 Saturday, police took Aguilera Gamboa and his cousin 49-year-old Maria Guadalupe Nevarez-Aguilera into custody without further incident. Detectives from the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office arrived to process the crime scene and collect evidence with the Garden City Police Department.

Aguilera Gamboa remains jailed in Finney County Jail for the active out-of-state felony warrant for Homicide, Abuse of a Child, and Tampering with Evidence.

Nevarez-Aguilera is being held on a requested charge of Accessory to Homicide and Harboring or Aiding a Felon.