A felony evidence tampering charge was filed Friday in San Juan County District Court in connection with a fatal DWI crash that killed Conny Jack, 20, of Shiprock, along Highway 64 in Farmington.
The charge stems from a December 21, 2025 investigation in which prosecutors allege a passenger in the involved vehicle altered or placed alcohol evidence in an effort to interfere with a DWI homicide by motor vehicle case.
Court records show the felony charge was formally filed on January 16, 2026, elevating the matter to District Court.
Fatal crash on Highway 64
According to sworn probable cause statements, deputies with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at approximately 4:47 a.m. on December 21, 2025, to a reported vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash near the Speedway gas station and the Pesco building along U.S. Highway 64 in Farmington.
When deputies arrived, they located a female pedestrian later identified as Conny Jack, 20, of Shiprock, New Mexico. She was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries sustained in the collision, according to court records.
A white Kia Sorento was located nearby and was identified as the vehicle involved in the crash.
Driver identified and signs of impairment
Deputies identified the driver as Jose Alexander Orozco Obando, who court records state is a citizen of Nicaragua.
According to the affidavit, deputies observed multiple indicators of impairment, including bloodshot and watery eyes and a strong odor of an intoxicating beverage. Investigators reported that Orozco Obando admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the night.
Because Orozco Obando primarily spoke Spanish, deputies used a department-issued translation application during questioning. He was advised of his Miranda rights and indicated that he understood.
Field sobriety testing and blood warrant
Deputies administered standardized field sobriety tests, including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand tests. The affidavit documents multiple indicators of impairment during each test.
Due to the fatal nature of the crash, investigators applied for and received a blood draw warrant that was reviewed and signed by a Farmington magistrate judge.
Orozco Obando was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where two blood samples were collected shortly after 8 a.m.
He was later booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center on the following charges:
• DWI homicide by motor vehicle
• Driving without a valid driver’s license
• No proof of insurance
Alcohol evidence discovered near the scene
While securing the crash scene, deputies reported locating a 12-pack of Corona Extra beer near a Pesco sign close to where Conny Jack was struck. Court records describe broken bottles, wet liquid on the ground, and visible shoe impressions near the beer case.
Investigators initially considered whether the alcohol could have been associated with the victim. However, further observations led deputies to question when and how the beer was placed at the scene.
Basis for the felony tampering charge
Prosecutors allege that Karina Ivon Hernandez-Rios, who was a passenger in the Kia, moved or placed the beer with the intent to interfere with the investigation or prosecution of the DWI homicide case.
According to court documents, Hernandez-Rios denied placing the beer. Deputies, however, reported that the tread pattern on her shoes appeared consistent with impressions found near the beer case.
Based on those observations, prosecutors filed a felony charge of tampering with evidence, which is elevated under New Mexico law when tied to a serious underlying offense.
Consulate notification
Court records state that because Orozco Obando is a citizen of Nicaragua, deputies attempted to contact the Nicaraguan consulate following his arrest. The affidavit notes that no one answered at the time of the call.
Case status
Both the DWI homicide case against Orozco Obando and the felony evidence tampering case against Hernandez-Rios remain pending in San Juan County courts.
All information is based on sworn law enforcement affidavits and court filings. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
For more San Juan County court coverage, see our previous report on the Cameron Lewis shooting case filed in Farmington.
Cameron Lewis Charged in Jessie Hensley Shooting | Farmington
Leave a Reply