Repeat Offender Arrested on Attempted Murder/Kidnapping Charges

Chad McKinney

A warrant was obtained for Chad McKinney and was arrested four hours later. After McKinney’s arrest he was interviewed and confessed to battering his wife. McKinney during the interview said he was just recently released from Federal Probation/Parole for drug charges.

From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office:

Deputies with San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of County Road 5578 (Crouch Mesa area) for a domestic violence situation. Deputies contacted the victim a 41-year-old Farmington resident who advised that she had been held against her will and beaten by her husband (Chad McKinney) of two years. She stated that he kept saying he was going to kill her and smothered her with a towel until she passed out. The investigation showed that she was held for an approximate 8-hour period.

A warrant was obtained for Chad McKinney and was arrested four hours later. After McKinney’s arrest he was interviewed and confessed to battering his wife. McKinney during the interview said he was just recently released from Federal Probation/Parole for drug charges.

Chad McKinney was booked into San Juan County Detention Center on the charges of Kidnapping, Attempted Murder, 2-counts of Aggravated Battery on a household member, 2-counts of Aggravated Assault on a household member and 2-counts of False imprisonment. He is being held on a $200,00.00 cash/surety bond.

More from Local News

  • 2026 NM Primary Local (Unofficial) Results

    We'll be updating this page with results throughout the evening on Tuesday, June 2, 2026: These are the unofficial results of the contested NM Primary races in San Juan County on June 2, 2026:

  • Remainder of Piñon Hills Blvd. Extension Fully Funded

    Phase III of the $30 million project includes $27 million in state funds and $3 million in matching funds from San Juan County to fully fund and complete the project by 2029.

  • Durango Begins Water Restrictions

    Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.

  • Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

    All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.

  • Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

    Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.

  • Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

    These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.

On KSJE Now:

KSJE Radio App

Get the KSJE Radio App

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny

    High: 93°F | Low: 55°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 86°F | Low: 46°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny

    High: 97°F | Low: 54°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 91°F | Low: 52°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Thundershower

    High: 82°F | Low: 52°F