8-01-2025 6:34am

Missing Persons and Kidnappings on the Rise in Alamogordo

Chris Edwards Editor

There have been rumors recently of kidnappings and an increase in missing persons around the Alamogordo area.

As of August 1, 2025, there have been several incidents and updates related to kidnappings in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and the surrounding areas:

Missing persons cases:

OIS and local authorities continue the search for missing Holloman Airman Isiah Morningstar who has now been missing for 13 days.

Stephanie Mendoza, 15, was last seen in Alamogordo on July 3, 2025.

Ryan Mcfarland, 17, was last seen in Alamogordo on May 16, 2025.

The family of Richard "Richie" Johnson is seeking information regarding his disappearance in Otero County, where Alamogordo is located.

There have been multiple prosecutions in recent years related to kidnappings...

Federal charges in a kidnapping and assault case: Three individuals, Michael Clubfoot, Carlyn Calavaza, and Alexis Mahooty, all of the Zuni Pueblo, face federal charges for allegedly kidnapping a woman in 2024 and holding her for ransom. This case is scheduled for trial on February 10, 2025. Clubfoot faces additional assault charges, and all three face potential life sentences for the kidnapping charge if convicted.

Sentencing in a kidnapping and rape case: A New Mexico man was sentenced in July 2025 to 28 years in prison followed by lifetime supervised release after pleading guilty to charges related to the kidnapping and sexual exploitation of a 12-year-old girl in 2023.

Apprehension of individuals wanted for felony aggravated kidnapping: In November 2024, Alamogordo Border Patrol agents apprehended two US citizens wanted for felony aggravated kidnapping who were considered armed and dangerous.

Kidnapping scam alert: The Alamogordo Police Department issued a warning in May 2025 about a scam targeting parents, where callers claim to have kidnapped a child and use AI to mimic their voice.

Historical context: In February 2020, a man who kidnapped a woman and shot at law enforcement officers during a vehicle pursuit was sentenced to 35 years in prison. State Police, according to the Las Cruces Sun-News, joined the high-speed chase in the Boles Acres area, where a shootout ensued.

These events highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address kidnapping and related crimes in the Alamogordo area. While Alamogordo is a small town it has a growing crime problem and citizens must remain vigilant.