A shocking murder case from New Mexico has revealed how a woman who was reportedly trying to gather evidence against her boyfriend ended up losing her life. Police say the accused, Vincent Galvan, discovered her efforts to expose him and allegedly killed her before fleeing across state lines. The case later turned into a dramatic manhunt involving a stolen truck, gunfire, and a high-speed chase that ended in Texas.
New Mexico Woman Found Dead on Abandoned Property
According to the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, 38-year-old Ricki L. White was found dead on May 12 inside an SUV parked on abandoned land near South Roosevelt Road 6, close to the Texas border. Investigators said her body had already started decomposing when deputies discovered it.
Police believe White was killed nearly a week earlier, sometime between the morning hours of May 5. Authorities say she was last seen alive on May 4 at around 7:30 p.m.
Vincent Galvan, 38, is now facing several serious charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Tampering with evidence
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle
- Felon in possession of a firearm
Police Believe Victim Was Gathering Evidence Against Boyfriend
During the investigation, authorities reportedly found a folder inside the SUV containing documents connected to Galvan’s previous criminal activities. Detectives now believe White may have been collecting evidence against him.
Police also mentioned that the couple had a troubled relationship and had been involved in multiple domestic disputes in the past. Some incidents were reportedly never officially reported to law enforcement.
In one disturbing case, investigators said both Galvan and White allegedly pointed guns at each other during an argument.
How a Stolen Truck Helped Police Catch the Suspect
Galvan’s arrest happened unexpectedly after a separate crime brought attention to him.
On May 14, a business owner in Clovis, New Mexico, learned that one of his employee’s pickup trucks had been stolen. The owner shared details about the missing truck on social media and started searching for it himself.
Later, he spotted the vehicle on Mabry Drive and began following it. According to reports, the truck driver noticed he was being followed and fired several gunshots toward the business owner.
The business owner eventually lost track of the vehicle but noticed it was heading toward Texas. He quickly informed police in both Clovis and Farwell.
High-Speed Chase Ended in Texas Arrest
Police in Farwell, Texas, later found the abandoned truck at a local restaurant. Around the same time, officers realized there could be a connection between the stolen vehicle and the New Mexico murder investigation.
Farwell Police Chief Larry Kelsay reportedly learned that Galvan was staying with a friend of White’s in the area. Officers then convinced the friend to return to Texas, where police attempted a traffic stop.
According to investigators, the friend got out of the vehicle as instructed, but Galvan suddenly took control of the truck and sped away.
Police chased him for about a minute before he crashed the truck. Galvan allegedly tried to run away on foot but was quickly captured.
Authorities later connected him to the earlier truck theft using surveillance footage.
Police Recover Gun With Blood on It
Inside the stolen pickup, police reportedly recovered a 9 mm handgun. Investigators said the weapon had blood on its frame, and the bullet caliber matched the one recovered from White’s body.
A cellphone that had been loaned to Galvan by another woman was also tracked near the crime scene around the estimated time of the murder.
These discoveries strengthened the case against him, according to investigators.
Galvan Allegedly Confessed to Friends and Mother
Court documents claim Galvan later admitted to friends that he killed White because she had been “threatening him.”
Police also cited a jail phone call between Galvan and his mother. During the conversation, he allegedly admitted he felt he “needed to be caught for this stuff.”
Investigators say Galvan also believed one of his friends was helping police set him up for arrest.
Suspect Awaiting Extradition to New Mexico
Galvan is currently being held in a Farwell, Texas jail. Officials say he will eventually be extradited back to New Mexico after his Texas-related charges are handled.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence connected to White’s death and the events that followed.
