A second-degree felony charge of murder and a third-degree felony charge of tampering with evidence have been filed in Aztec Magistrate Court following the discovery of human remains inside a mobile home, according to an affidavit for arrest warrant.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Aztec Police Department in January 2026 at a residence on Northeast Aztec Boulevard in Aztec, San Juan County.

Discovery of Human Remains

According to the affidavit, officers were dispatched on Jan. 19, 2026, to a mobile home in reference to a welfare check. While securing the residence, an officer reported detecting a strong odor of decomposition coming from inside the home.

The affidavit states that inside a bedroom closet, officers located a black plastic tote with a locking lid. After lifting the lid, officers observed what appeared to be a decomposing human body inside the container.

The remains were later identified as Lana Justice. The Office of the Medical Investigator took custody of the body and conducted an autopsy on Jan. 22, 2026.

Autopsy Findings

The affidavit states the manner of death was determined to be homicide. The cause of death was listed as a combination of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation of the neck and chest.

Documented injuries included multiple rib fractures, hemorrhaging of the neck, fractures of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage, bruising to the head and extremities, and injuries to the tongue and inner lip consistent with strangulation, according to the affidavit.

Investigative Findings

According to the affidavit, license plate reader data placed the suspect’s vehicle traveling southbound on Northeast Aztec Boulevard on Jan. 17, 2026, near the residence and later near a Safeway location in Aztec.

Search warrants were executed at the residence and at a hospital. During the search of the home, investigators reported collecting items including electronic devices, clothing, apparent blood swabs, a bottle of bleach, and other physical evidence.

The affidavit states that during an interview at San Juan Regional Medical Center, the defendant was advised of her Miranda rights. Investigators documented multiple statements made during questioning. The affidavit further states that based on training and experience, investigators believed the body had not been kept in the closet for an extended period due to temperature conditions within the home.

Charges Filed

• Murder in the Second Degree (second-degree felony)
• Tampering with Evidence (third-degree felony)

Case Status

The charges were filed in Aztec Magistrate Court under Case No. M-147-FR-2026-00095. The affidavit was filed March 3, 2026. Court records indicate the case remains pending.

Bonita Schultz is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations. No determination of guilt has been made.