A man from Taos Pueblo has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for the killing of DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo, an Indigenous artist, during a domestic violence incident in November 2021. The sentencing took place in federal court in Albuquerque.
According to court records, Santiago Martinez, 33, killed Suazo outside their shared home on the Taos Pueblo following an argument. The dispute began after Suazo expressed her wish to end their relationship. The confrontation became physical when Martinez ripped out Suazo’s earring and pushed her out of her car. He then entered the driver’s seat of her SUV and intentionally ran over Suazo. Instead of calling authorities, Martinez contacted his family, which reduced any chance that Suazo could have survived. She died from mechanical asphyxia and blunt trauma caused by being run over.
Martinez later admitted that he had consumed alcohol but understood his actions were wrong.
DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo was recognized as a Diné and Taos Pueblo artist whose work focused on Indigenous identity and resilience. Her art was shown nationwide, including at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts. In honor of her legacy, the Institute of American Indian Arts created the DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo Memorial Fund in 2022 to support Indigenous women artists.
On March 28, 2025, Martinez pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. After serving his sentence, he will be under supervised release for three years.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: “Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.”
The case was investigated by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary C. Jones and Nora Wilson prosecuted.
