Woman found hanging in closet
Man accused of knocking mother onto her baby

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — Police are investigating the death of a 20-year-old Gallup woman who was found dead inside her trailer at the Hillcrest Trailer Park.

Erin Toadlena-Pablo, a spokeswoman fro the Gallup Police Department, said Stephanie Ahasteen, of 2410 E. Aztec, was found hanging from an extension cord inside one of the trailer's closets on Tuesday.

Toadlena-Pablo said investigators intend to rule Ahasteen's death a suicide, but have transported her body to Albuquerque for an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. Ahasteen was inside the residence alone prior to her death, Toadlena-Pablo said.


City man arrested
GALLUP — A 20-year-old Gallup man was arrested for allegedly causing his girlfriend to fall and land on their 5-month-old baby during an argument.

Lee Budick, of the 1700 block of Elm Circle, was booked into the McKinley County Adult Detention Center on charges of child abuse, aggravated battery on a household member and interference with communications on Tuesday.

McKinley County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the Cedar Hills Apartments in reference to domestic dispute between Budick and 21-year-old Tiffany Garcia. Deputies found Garcia crying and furniture scattered throughout the apartment, according to a police report.

Garcia reportedly said she and Budick began to argue when she announced she was planning to look for a new job. Budick allegedly bit Garcia on the foot and slapped her face when she tried to flee to another bedroom. The contact reportedly caused Garcia to land on the couple's young baby, according to the report.

Budick also allegedly unplugged the apartment's telephone to prevent Garcia from calling for help. Budick was arrested without incident.

Felon with shotgun
GALLUP — Deputies arrested a 25-year-old Gallup man for negligent use of a firearm near Old Zuni Drive.

An caller informed dispatch of someone shooting in the area. After searching the area, deputies found Mark Herrera and 23-year-old Robert Estrada. Herrera reportedly placed his 12-gauge shotgun on the ground as officers approached.

According to a report, Herrera appeared intoxicated and was arrested for negligent use of a firearm. Under Sheriff John Yearley said officials plan to amend the charges pending against Herrera because of a previous felony conviction. Felons are prohibited from carrying firearms, he said.