LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Three people are facing charges in connection to the killing of a man whose body was found in a burned vehicle in rural San Miguel County.
According to New Mexico State Police, human remains were discovered on June 10 inside and near a burned car. Investigators later identified the vehicle as belonging to Hayden Alter, who had been reported missing on May 21. Alter had been living at a rehab center in Albuquerque and was last known to have traveled to Las Vegas on May 16.
Arrest affidavits detail witness accounts of the night of May 19, when Alter was allegedly picked up by Jose Eversole, Samantha Montoya, and a witness, before going to the home of Luciano Meza. The witness told police Meza accused Alter of being a cop and punched him. A gunshot followed, and the witness said they saw Eversole pointing a gun at Alter, who had been shot in the head.
The witness also claimed Eversole and Montoya moved Alter’s body into his own car and drove away. The next day, Eversole allegedly told the witness he had burned everything. Meza is accused of threatening the witness not to speak about the incident.
Charges Filed
- Jose Eversole: Murder, arson
- Samantha Montoya: Conspiracy, tampering with evidence
- Luciano Meza: Intimidation of a witness
The investigation remains ongoing.
