Murder Suspect Arrested after Police Pursuit

The man believed to be responsible for the April 29 shooting on Princess Jeanne Drive has been arrested by Las Cruces police.

Isaiah Joseph Rea, 25, was arrested about 1 a.m. Thursday, May 2, after a short vehicle pursuit with Las Cruces police officers. The arrest happened on the 200 block of Three Crosses Avenue in Las Cruces.

Monday’s shooting resulted in the death of 34-year-old Steven Sanchez.

About 3:30 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2024, police were dispatched to a home on the 1900 block of Princess Jeanne Drive where they found Sanchez suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Sanchez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Through their investigations, police learned that Rea was responsible for the death of Sanchez. Investigators subsequently obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Rea is charged with one first-degree felony count of murder. He is initially being held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

Las Cruces police thanks those who helped provide information that assisted in the capture of Rea.