ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico man has taken a plea deal for his role in the death of a three-year-old girl more than two years ago. Police said that Kerri Santos brought her toddler to University of New Mexico Hospital, claiming that she fell and hurt herself. Medical staff determined the child was already dead when she arrived, and noticed signs of abuse, including evidence that she had been tied up. Police said that Santos and three others were staying at James Welch’s home when the abuse took place.

On Friday, Welch pleaded no contest to three counts of child abuse and tampering with evidence. He faces up to five years behind bars.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Great New Mexico Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival returns to Balloon Fiesta Park this weekend.

Teppanyaki King is among the newer trucks on the menu.

General Manager said the Albuquerque food truck has been open for about six months and will make its second festival appearance this weekend.

Pacheco showed off several dishes and said one of the truck’s best sellers is “lobster and filet mignon.”

Pacheco said the team wanted to bring something different to Albuquerque because “there’s taco trucks everywhere, you know, and we wanted to bring something completely different to Albuquerque so people can experience restaurant-style cooking, but on the streets.”

He said the truck has about 7 to 10 pounds of filet mignon stocked ahead of the event and full refrigerators as the team prepares for the crowd.

Teppanyaki King also serves daily in Albuquerque near San Antonio and Louisiana, Pacheco said.

People can buy tickets online ahead of time, with a pre-sale discount available if they buy them before the event. Special VIP and beer lover packages are also available.

The festival is happening on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. VIP tickets can get in an hour earlier.

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico State Police say human remains found in Santa Fe County are missing man Joel “Deano” Valdez.

State police said the update came after someone walking a dog found human remains on Caja del Rio Road on April 12.

Through coordination with the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI), state police said investigators positively identified the remains as Valdez.

The cause and manner of death have not yet been determined. OMI will conduct further anthropological examination.

Valdez was reported missing on Sept. 21, 2025, after he did not return home to Coyote after work in Silver City, according to New Mexico State Police.

State police said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The family of Joel “Deano” Valdez sent the following statement:

“We confirm that the remains of Joel “Deano” Valdez have been located. While this development marks a profoundly difficult moment for the family, it brings a measure of closure to a long and painful period of uncertainty that began last September, when he disappeared.

At this time, there are significantly more questions than answers. The circumstances surrounding Deano’s disappearance and death remain under active investigation, and we will not speculate or comment beyond confirmed facts.

The family is seeking clarity and accountability and is committed to allowing the appropriateauthorities the time and space necessary to conduct a thorough and careful investigation. Through counsel, the family is closely monitoring all developments and will pursue every appropriate avenue to ensure that the facts are fully uncovered.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the tremendous support,
encouragement, and prayers they have received over the past seven months. They are deeply thankful to all who have sacrificed their time and effort in the search for Deano. The family also extends its appreciation to the individuals and agencies who have contributed to the ongoing investigation and commitment to getting answers.

Additionally, they extend their sincere gratitude to all those who have supported and remained invested in Deano’s story. The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of support from both the online community and the media. They understand that many are awaiting answers and assure that updates will be shared when appropriate and available.

The family respectfully requests privacy as they process this devastating news. They ask the public and the media to honor their need for space and dignity during this period of mourning.

May Deano rest in peace.”

Anyone with information related to the case can contact New Mexico State Police at 505-841-9256.