Authorities ID bodies found in grave in Sandoval Co.; 3 suspects in custody

Law enforcement and medical investigators have positively identified two of the three bodies found in a shallow grave southeast of the San Felipe Casino just over a week ago, and say they believe they know the identity of the third body.

Sandoval Co. Sheriff’s Office spokesman Lt. Keith Elder on Thursday identified the bodies as those of 32-year-old John Santistevan and 48-year-old Geraldine Sena. Lt. Elder said the third body is likely that of 25-year-old Samuel Sena, but the Office of the Medical Investigator is working to positively identify it as Sena.

Lt. Elder says investigators believe the third body is the younger Sena because all three were reported missing March 17 by various family members. The three bodies were found miles away from anabandoned, blood-soaked pickup truck that was found nearDiamond Tail Ranch Feb. 29 and was linked to their murders.

Sandoval Co. detectives and Homeland Security Investigation have received information the three had connections with people transporting stolen vehicles from Albuquerque to Mexico and were involved in drug trafficking, mail theft and other felonies.

Lt. Elder added that the three were in a pickup truck similar to the bloody one found near the ranch the night before it was found.

A third person is also in custody related to the crime, Lt. Elder said. The sheriff’s office said June 1 that two people were in custody on separate charges, but the third person was still being sought after.

Lt. Elder said the three suspects face pending state and federal charges including murder and racketeering, but those charges are still being determined and have yet to be filed.