DOÑA ANA COUNTY, N.M. — A judge has ordered Kimberly Skaggs, the former treasurer for the Republican Party of New Mexico, to remain in custody as she awaits trial in connection to a fatal crash in the Fairacres area.
State District Judge Conrad Perea ruled Monday that Skaggs poses a danger to the community and determined that no release conditions — including monitoring or travel restrictions — would reasonably ensure public safety.
Skaggs is charged with felony counts of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and tampering with evidence. She has been held at the Doña Ana County Detention Center since turning herself in last week.
Authorities say 40-year-old Andrew Brown was struck and killed on June 22 while riding his bicycle along North Fairacres Road. Testimony in court indicated Brown suffered severe injuries and died at the scene.
Investigators presented evidence including a witness photograph showing the aftermath of the crash, along with part of the vehicle involved. The image also showed debris and skid marks in the roadway.
Law enforcement used surveillance technology and vehicle data to identify a black Cadillac Escalade connected to the case. The vehicle was later located at a property linked to Skaggs and seized under a search warrant.
Deputies testified they documented more than 200 feet of skid marks and estimated the vehicle was traveling between 49 and 69 miles per hour in a 40 mile-per-hour zone. The judge said the speed may have been closer to the higher end of that estimate.
Prosecutors also presented evidence that a request was made to change the vehicle’s registration and license plate on the same day as the crash.
Prosecutors argued Skaggs’ actions following the crash raised concerns about public safety. The defense cited her ties to the community and argued she would comply with release conditions.
The judge ultimately ruled that the state presented clear and convincing evidence to hold Skaggs without bond pending trial.
In a separate case, Brown’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages related to the crash.
All charges against Skaggs are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
