HOBBS, N.M. — UPDATE: On May 29, 2023, information about Levya's whereabouts was received by agents with the Lea County Drug Task Force.
A search warrant was obtained through the Fifth Judicial District Court on May 30 at 1:53 a.m. that allowed the local law enforcement agencies to conduct a nighttime search. Deputies with the Lea County Sheriff's Office, Drug Task Force Agents, and U.S. Marshals maintained surveillance of the apartment located at 2001 E. Clinton.
Eventually the Lea County Regional SWAT Team said they would serve the warrant. The team would use special tactics to enter into the apartment safely, but no one was located.
If anyone has any information that can lead to locating Levya, contact either the Lea County Sheriff's Office at 575-396-3611 or the Lea County Crime Stoppers at 575-393-8005.
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The Hobbs Police Department has asked the public for help locating a homicide suspect.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the arrest of 43-year-old Richard Leyva, charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. Levya has an extensive criminal history and currently has a federal parole.
The incident Leyva was involved in occurred on March 24, 2023. Hobbs PD responded to the 800 block of South Thorp in reference to a man being shot.
Upon their arrival, officers found 34-year-old Anthony Quiroz of Hobbs. Quiroz was able to communicate with the officers but was unable to identify where he was shot on his body.
Hobbs EMS arrived on the scene and transported Quiroz to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital. He was stabilized and flown to UMC in Lubbock where he later succumbed to his injuries.
If anyone has any information about the incident or the whereabouts of Leyva, call HPD at 575-397-9265 or the Lea County Crimestoppers at 575-393-8005.
This is still an active investigation, and we will continue to update this story as we receive more information.