09/08/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2026
OTERO COUNTY JURY CONVICTS TY HUNTINGTON OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER
ALAMOGORDO, N.M. — 12th Judicial District Attorney Ryan Suggs announces that on Friday, September 4, 2026, an Otero County jury found Ty Huntington guilty of First-Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence in the killing of Mario Reyna.
The case arose from a dispute over the ownership of a truck that Reyna had sold to Huntington's family for $2,500. The parties disagreed over whether the full purchase price had been paid, and the dispute eventually escalated into efforts by both sides to take possession of the vehicle.
On the evening of December 13, 2024, while Reyna was at Home Depot, Huntington and his stepmother took possession of the truck. During the encounter, Huntington attempted to coax Reyna into a fight. When Reyna refused to fight, Huntington brandished a handgun and warned Reyna not to interfere. Reyna subsequently contacted law enforcement and reported the incident.
The following day, Reyna regained possession of the truck. He removed Huntington's stepmother's belongings from the vehicle, returned them to her, and told her that she could contact law enforcement and that he would be at his residence.
Approximately 45 minutes later, surveillance video captured Huntington driving past Reyna's residence looking for the truck. After Reyna returned home, neighborhood surveillance captured Huntington arriving in the same vehicle he had been driving during the Home Depot encounter the previous evening. Huntington, armed with a .45-caliber handgun, jumped over Reyna's fence and entered his property.
Reyna came outside and confronted Huntington from the threshold of his residence. Huntington told Reyna that he was going to take the truck and again attempted to coax him into a fight. When Reyna told Huntington that he was calling the police, Huntington fired a single round, striking Reyna in the abdomen. Huntington then fled the scene in Reyna's truck.
Law enforcement officers and first responders responded to the report of a shooting and attempted life-saving measures. Reyna died at the scene.
The 12th Judicial District Major Crimes Unit was activated and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Huntington was located and arrested two days later without incident.
The Major Crimes Unit is a multi-agency investigative team comprised of members of the Alamogordo Police Department, Otero County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and Ruidoso Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Ryan Suggs and Deputy District Attorney Melissa Garcia.
"This case is a tragic reminder of what can happen when someone chooses a fi***rm and violence to settle a dispute. No disagreement over money or property is worth a human life. I want to thank the investigators of the Major Crimes Unit, our prosecutors, victim advocates, support staff, law enforcement officers, first responders, and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring this case to trial and seek justice for Mario Reyna and his family," Suggs said.
Sentencing will take place at a later date before the Honorable Chief Judge Daniel A. Bryant. Huntington faces a life sentence, as well as additional potential penalties for Tampering with Evidence and his habitual-offender status.
The 12th Judicial District Attorney's Office extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Mario Reyna and thanks the jurors for their service to Otero County and the justice system.
