Wed. May 8th, 2024

An arrest has been made in connection with a New Mexico murder that occurred Wednesday morning at a store in Weed, according to reports.

The Otero County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has verified that 52-year-old Joseph Sanders of Bent, N.M., was arrested Wednesday on charges of murder in the first degree, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and tampering with evidence.

He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Tuesday before Judge John P. Sugg in Alamogordo District Court.

Sanders stands accused of shooting and killing Laura McCormick as she was working a shift Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Weed Store. Her death was initially reported around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday on the Facebook account of the Mayhill Country Store, where McCormick was previously employed.

The Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority posted late Wednesday morning on Facebook that OCSO deputies were in search of “an older white male, thin build, balding” who was travelling in a blue single-cab, long-bed Dodge pickup and was possibly armed with a rifle. That man, later identified as Sanders, was apprehended Wednesday afternoon.

The Mayhill Country Store stated that McCormick leaves behind a husband, two small boys, stepchildren, and many friends and family and that those wishing to aid the family with donations can drop them off at the Mayhill Country Store, the Weed Store or the Mayhill Cafe.

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By Buffy Gunner

Independent Journalist + Business Owner | Lover of all things true crime. Mantra: Only YOU can be YOU. | Los Angeles Born | buffygunner@illicitdeeds.com

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