SANTA FE, N.M. — A New Mexico woman was convicted on Thursday of multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, in connection to a fatal wrong-way collision on Interstate 25, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals.
The jury delivered their verdict following a dramatic court session against Jeannine Jaramillo, who, apart from murder, was found guilty of offenses including great bodily harm by vehicle, aggravated fleeing from law enforcement, and second offense of receiving or transferring stolen motor vehicles. Additionally, Jaramillo faced charges for making false reports of criminal activity and reckless driving.
The incident that led to the trial occurred last year when Jaramillo instigated law enforcement on a precarious chase after falsely claiming she was kidnapped. Authorities noted she prompted a bystander to dial 911, alleging her abduction at knifepoint by a boyfriend who was later nowhere to be found.
The police pursuit escalated rapidly, weaving through local streets before merging onto I-25 in the opposite direction of traffic. Tragically, while attempting to avoid Jaramillo’s vehicle, retired firefighter Frank Lovato collided head-on with Santa Fe Police Officer Robert Duran’s pursuing patrol car, leading to their deaths.
Following the crash, law enforcement apprehended Jaramillo after her car was forced off the road. Investigations subsequently unveiled inconsistencies in her kidnapping story, leading officials to surmise the abduction claim was fabricated.
During the prolonged jury deliberation which lasted five hours, emotions in the courtroom ran high. Prosecutors argued Jaramillo’s repeated dangerous behaviors led directly to the fatal incident, marking at least the third instance she engaged in such reckless driving tactics.
State Prosecutor Mary Carmack-Altweis pointedly criticized Jaramillo’s actions in court, accentuating the sacrifice made by Officer Duran in the line of duty. She condemned Jaramillo for not acknowledging her role in the fatal outcomes.
Defense arguments contended the prosecution failed to demonstrate Jaramillo’s intent to commit murder, describing the absence of direct evidence that she foresaw her actions would result in fatalities. Defense Attorney David Silva emphasized the lack of demonstrable malintent behind his client’s actions, disputing the grounds for first-degree murder.
Jaramillo, who refrained from testifying and presented no defense witnesses, now potentially faces life imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for 2025, concluding a case that has captured local attention due to its tragic circumstances and the dangerous precedents of wrong-way driving incidents.
As the community reflects on the profound loss of two respected individuals, this case serves as a somber reminder of the catastrophic potential when vehicles are maneuvered recklessly on busy highways.
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