Santa Fe, NM (KKOB) – A Taos Pueblo man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for the 2021 killing of his longtime girlfriend, DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo.
Federal prosecutors say 33-year-old Santiago Martinez killed Suazo during an argument outside their home on Taos Pueblo in November 2021. On that day, DeAnna again expressed her long-stated desire to end their romantic relationship, which she had often done before. The confrontation escalated, when Martinez pushed Suazo from her car, then got behind the wheel of her SUV and intentionally ran her over. Authorities say Martinez called family members instead of seeking help, reducing any chance she could survive. Suazo died from blunt-force injuries and mechanical asphyxia. Martinez later admitted he knew what he was doing was wrong.
DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo was a Diné and Taos Pueblo artist whose work celebrated Indigenous identity, strength, and resilience. Her paintings were exhibited nationwide, including at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. In 2022, the Institute of American Indian Arts established the DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo Memorial Fund to support Indigenous women artists, honoring her life, talent, and lasting impact.
