Human Remains Found in Ruidoso Downs Identified as Local Resident Henry Padilla

Ruidoso Downs, N.M. — The Office of the Medical Investigator has positively identified human remains discovered on July 8, 2026, in a remote wooded area near Pine Springs Road in Ruidoso Downs as those of 74-year-old Henry Padilla, a Ruidoso Downs resident.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Padilla’s death in coordination with the medical investigator’s office. The probe remains active.

No further details are being released at this time. Authorities are asking anyone with information that could help investigators to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 575-648-2341 and speak with Detective Bryce Bailey.

The Sheriff’s Office expressed its sincere condolences to Padilla’s family and loved ones.

This update comes from Lincoln County Sheriff Michael Wood. Alamogordo Town News will provide further developments as they become available.

More News from Alamogordo

• Federal Court Enters Final Judgment Against New Mexico’s 7-Day Waiting Period — But What Did Gun Owners Actually Win? Court ruling analysis by Chris Edwards, journalist — 2nd Life Media AlamogordoTownNews.org
• War-Inflated Oil Prices Hand New Mexico Lawmakers $924 Million in New Money — But Economists Warn the Windfall Masks a Weakening Economy Revenues up but long term budget has weaknesses…