NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A northern New Mexico family is desperate for answers, soon after a father of three went missing on his way home from a job across the state. It’s been almost 2 weeks since they last heard from him.
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Monique Garcia describes her cousin, 36-year-old Joel Valdez, who goes by Deano, as a loving father and husband. “He’s a salt-of-the-earth person. He’s so humble, so sweet, caring, and kind,” said Garcia.
The Marine veteran was last seen on September 18. His family said he was on his way home from Silver City, where he was working as a lineman, to Coyote, west of Abiquiu, to see his wife and children. While driving his white Chevrolet truck, he stayed in touch with family, letting them know he was on his way. However, communication stopped.
“Along the way, he has his normal stops. He usually stops at the same gas station, the same ATM, so we can track him through Santa Fe. He texted his wife saying he was leaving Silver City,” said Garcia.
His bank statements show he stopped at a gas station and an ATM in Santa Fe, but they said the amount he withdrew was normal. After that, his trail vanishes. The family mentioned there were some concerning charges in the days to come.
“We just want answers. We want to know where our family member is. People are suggesting, ‘Oh, has he ever disappeared? Is this in his character?’ It’s completely out of character,” said Garcia.
Garcia asks anyone who knows anything about his disappearance to contact New Mexico State Police. She said they plan to launch a search party on October 4 in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, based on possible sightings of the truck. Garcia can be reached at 505-362-4738.
“We want our family member back. He’s such an integral part of our family. He’s such a strong presence in his children and his family’s life. We just need him to come back,” said Garcia.
NMSP sent KRQE the following statement:
There are no new updates to share. NMSP investigators are actively pursuing leads regarding Mr. Valdez’s disappearance. At this time, the case is being treated as a missing person’s investigation, unless new evidence suggests otherwise.
