Archive for the 'Crime' Category
Friday, September 22nd, 2006
Las Cruces Police Statement
The Las Cruces Police Department has issued this statement to the public:
Hello, I’m Las Cruces Police Chief Harry Romero.
As I’m sure you are aware, the city of Las Cruces has received letters from a suspected extortionist demanding a certain amount of money.
The letters state that if the demand for money is not met, Las Cruces residents will be shot at random.
The citizens of Las Cruces should know that we are doing everything possible to identify and apprehend the person responsible for writing these letters.
We are using the most advanced forensics and technical equipment available to examine the documents.
We are receiving many leads each day and are vigorously perusing each one of them.
Local, state and federal authorities are united in this effort. We will not stop in this pursuit of justice.
We are confident that with the public’s assistance, we will arrest and prosecute the person responsible for making these threats to the fullest extent of the law.
Everyone needs to know that making threats of violence against the good people of Las Cruces is a serious crime and that will not be tolerated.
Here’s the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:
(505) 635-9934
Tags: Las Cruces Police Statement
Friday, September 22nd, 2006
LCPD Issues Video
The Las Cruces Police Department has issued a video message by Chief Harry Romero to the citizens of Las Cruces regarding the Las Cruces Blackmailer.
Tags: LCPD Video
Friday, September 22nd, 2006
$51,000 Reward
The reward for information leading to the capture and prosecution of the Las Cruces Blackmailer has been increased to $51,000.
The previous amount has been doubled, thanks to five local businesses. The businesses are:
First Community Bank
Borman AutoPlex
Sisbarro Dealerships
Bravo Chevrolet Cadillac
Jack Key Motors
Here’s the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:
(505) 635-9934
Tags: Las Cruces Blackmailer, Reward Doubled
Thursday, September 21st, 2006
Full Police Alert
Las Cruces officials have cancelled all vacation time for city police and say that every available officer will be on duty today and Friday.
County, State, and Federal law officers will also be on duty.
Here’s the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:
(505) 635-9934
Tags: Full Police Alert
Wednesday, September 20th, 2006
Deadline Friday
No pun intended.
Friday, September 22, is the deadline given by the Las Cruces Blackmailer. He says he must be paid by that date, or he starts shooting citizens:
We basically came or were told to come and obtain… cash. …if they did not meet our deadline with the $ reesidents of your city would be randomly selected and shot.
The deletions are by authorities, to hold back information.
The Las Cruces Police Department says they will mobilize full resources leading up to Friday.
Friday is the first day of the annual Whole Enchilada Fiesta, which typically attracts 50,000 or more visitors. The organizers plan to have extensive security to protect the attendees.
Here’s the 24-hour tip line for any information about the case:
(505) 635-9934
Tags: Blackmail Deadline Released
Tuesday, September 19th, 2006
$26,000 Offered
A reward of $26,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person trying to blackmail Las Cruces.
To report any information, call (505) 635-9934.
Tags: Reward Offered
Tuesday, September 19th, 2006
Blackmail Letter Released
Here’s a photocopy of the blackmail letter sent to the Las Cruces Sun-News. The black areas cover details not being released. The author’s writing style appears to be intentionally manipulated.
The text was posted in this blog entry.
Tags: Photocopy Blackmail Letter
Tuesday, September 19th, 2006
“Your city is in danger.”
The Las Cruces Sun-News has published excerpts of the threatening letter sent to the city of Las Cruces. The Sun-News is holding back details such as deadlines, dates, and the blackmail amount demanded.
Here is what was released:
Editor:
We arrived in your city…. We explained to mayor/manager mayor and police about our purpose in your city.
We basically came or were told to come and obtain… cash. …if they did not meet our deadline with the $ reesidents of your city would be randomly selected and shot.
Maybe you already know what you have read so far — if not ask your city leaders. We just thought you would like to know why bodies will be falling if demands are not met…. City leaders have all the details… and other details. $ delivered and we leave peacefully.
(In)… the past we have been paid by others to find a designated target and stop it from existing — now we are looking for payment to let the target exist….
Your city is in danger.
Tags: Blackmail Letter Released
Monday, September 18th, 2006
Shooting Rumors Engulf City
Wild rumors of several people shot as a result of the blackmail threat made public yesterday caused a lot of anxiety today.
One NMSU professor announced to her class that two people had been killed and sent all her students home in fear.
It appeared that there was extra security present around city and county buildings today, but officials said that the additional security was a result of the original threats, not the rumors spreading today.
Police have established a tip line for anyone with information about the blackmail threats, (505) 635-9934.
Tags: Shooting Rumors Engulf Las Cruces
Sunday, September 17th, 2006
City Threatened by Shooter
City officials and the local newspaper have received letters threatening random shootings if an undisclosed ransom amount is not paid.
Officials have not disclosed the contents of the letters or the amount demanded. The letter is described as handwritten in an unusual writing style. The letters set a deadline by which the blackmail must be paid or shootings will begin.
People are being told to be extra attentive, but to go about their normal business.
Tags: Shooter Threatens Las Cruces, City Blackmailed
