Guilty verdict for man accused of attempted first-degree murder, tampering with evidence

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) - Eddie Joe Valdez was found guilty by a Doña Ana County jury today for the attempted first-degree murder of Derrick Whitehead.

The shooting happened in February 26, 2024 after Valdez took Whitehead to a residential area under development south of Peter Hurd Rd. The jury heard testimony of how Valdez beat Whitehead then shot him in the head with a handgun. Valdez left Whitehead on a dirt road and tried to hide any evidence of the attack, which lead to the tampering with evidence charge.

Whitehead was found, unconscious but still alive, by some construction workers. Doña Ana County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene and rendered aid. Whitehead was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. Whitehead survived the attack but was left with life-altering severe brain injuries.

“Presenting a case built on complex digital timelines, medical findings and witness testimony requires piecing together every available detail for the jury,” Deputy District Attorneys Tomas Medina and Anne Swank said in a joint statement. “We are deeply grateful to the jurors for their careful deliberation and to the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office for the investigative work that allowed us to bring the full truth of what happened to Mr. Whitehead into the courtroom.”