New Mexico State Police say human remains found in Santa Fe County are missing man Joel “Deano” Valdez.
SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico State Police say human remains found in Santa Fe County are missing man Joel “Deano” Valdez.
State police said the update came after someone walking a dog found human remains on Caja del Rio Road on April 12.
Through coordination with the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI), state police said investigators positively identified the remains as Valdez.
The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined. OMI will conduct further anthropological examination.
Valdez was reported missing on Sept. 21, 2025, after he did not return home to Coyote after work in Silver City, according to New Mexico State Police.
State police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The family of Joel “Deano” Valdez sent the following statement:
“We confirm that the remains of Joel “Deano” Valdez have been located. While this development marks a profoundly difficult moment for the family, it brings a measure of closure to a long and painful period of uncertainty that began last September, when he disappeared.
At this time, there are significantly more questions than answers. The circumstances surrounding Deano’s disappearance and death remain under active investigation, and we will not speculate or comment beyond confirmed facts.
The family is seeking clarity and accountability and is committed to allowing the appropriateauthorities the time and space necessary to conduct a thorough and careful investigation. Through counsel, the family is closely monitoring all developments and will pursue every appropriate avenue to ensure that the facts are fully uncovered.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the tremendous support,
encouragement, and prayers they have received over the past seven months. They are deeply thankful to all who have sacrificed their time and effort in the search for Deano. The family also extends its appreciation to the individuals and agencies who have contributed to the ongoing investigation and commitment to getting answers.
Additionally, they extend their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported and remained invested in Deano’s story. The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of support from both the online community and the media. They understand that many are awaiting answers and assure that updates will be shared when appropriate and available.
The family respectfully requests privacy as they process this devastating news. They ask the public and the media to honor their need for space and dignity during this period of mourning.
May Deano rest in peace.”
Anyone with information related to the case can contact New Mexico State Police at 505-841-9256.
