ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque Police Department homicide detectives have charged Jonah Jeter, 33, in the death of Robert Debeary, 52, months after Debeary was reported missing by family members.
According to investigators, Debeary’s family contacted police in August after they had not heard from him since Aug. 11. The case was later assigned to homicide detectives after an anonymous tip linked Jeter to Debeary’s disappearance.
Detectives executed search warrants in October at Jeter’s northeast Albuquerque residence and on his vehicle. During the search, investigators located stolen firearms in Jeter’s car, leading to his arrest on separate charges.
The investigation later focused on a residence in the 200 block of Alcazar Street Northeast, near Central Avenue and Louisiana Boulevard, where Jeter rented rooms to tenants, including Debeary.
On Oct. 27, detectives discovered human remains buried approximately two feet underground in a small yard area on the property.
The Office of the Medical Investigator later identified the remains as Debeary. An autopsy determined he died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Following the investigation, detectives charged Jeter with:
- Open count of murder
- Three counts of tampering with evidence
- Aggravated burglary
Jeter remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing.
