Police may have murder suspect

By Leslie Wood
Staff Writer

GALLUP — A spokesman for the New Mexico State Police said on Tuesday the agency's investigators are considering a suspect in connection with a 16-year-old Gallup girl's death.

Investigators found Felizia Hope Penaloza bound and lifeless in a pool of water located about a mile east of Rock Springs on Sept. 12. A plastic bag covered Penaloza's head and officials suspect asphyxiation to be the cause of death; however, an official determination is pending autopsy results.

Jimmy Glascock, a spokesman for the state police, said the agency's criminal investigation unit is assigned to investigate what officials are calling a homicide. Initial responders such as the Navajo Nation police, the McKinley County Sheriff's Department and the FBI have discontinued their involvement in the case

"These are some of the best investigators around," he said of the state police's CI unit.

Glascock said no one has been charged in connection with Penaloza's death, but investigators are deliberating about a possible suspect and following up on leads.

"It would be accurate to say we are considering a suspect," he said. "We remain very optimistic about the investigation."

Glascock did not release any additional information about the case. Anyone with information about the case, is asked to call the New Mexico State Police at 863-9353.