Santiago Martinez sentenced for killing girlfriend in Taos Pueblo

Federal judges ordered Santiago Martinez to prison for the November 2021 death of his partner in Taos Pueblo. The penalty resolves his federal voluntary manslaughter plea for running over his girlfriend with her SUV.

Martinez received a sentence of 10 years in federal prison. He must complete three years of supervised release after leaving custody.

The victim, DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo, was an Indigenous artist from the Taos Pueblo. Martinez had pleaded guilty in March 2025 in federal court.

The couple argued outside their residence about the future of their relationship, according to court records. Suazo repeated her desire to end the relationship. The dispute then turned into a physical altercation.

Martinez intentionally ran over Suazo with her vehicle, according to court documents. Her death resulted from mechanical asphyxia and blunt trauma. Martinez had consumed alcohol. He acknowledged being aware of his actions during the incident, according to court documents.

Suazo was a Diné and Taos Pueblo painter. Her art celebrated Indigenous identity, strength, and resilience. Her paintings appeared in exhibits nationwide, according to New Mexico’s United States Attorney’s Office. Those showcases included the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts.

The Institute of American Indian Arts created the DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo Memorial Fund in 2022. The fund aids Indigenous women artists. It honors her life, talent, and impact.

Federal voluntary manslaughter involves an unlawful killing without malice during a sudden quarrel. Cases from tribal lands often fall under federal jurisdiction. Supervised release requires court monitoring following prison terms.

The fatal event took place within the historic Taos Pueblo community. Federal officials closed the legal case with the final prison term.