DNA Match: Evidentiary Burglary Investigation During 2024 Fires in Ruidoso Yields Results

Ruidoso, NM – During the 2024 Ruidoso fires, agents with the NMSP Crime Suppression Bureau (CSB) assisted NMSP uniform personnel with evacuations, roadblocks, and other assigned public safety missions in the affected area.

While operating in Ruidoso, CSB agents encountered a burglary in progress at Johnston Jewelry, located at 1304 Sudderth Drive. The business exhibited clear signs of forced entry, including a broken window and damaged display cases.

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While on scene, CSB agents observed multiple items of evidentiary value inside the business, including the hammer used to break the window and display cases, as well as visible blood evidence throughout the store.

The team conducted a thorough evidence collection, and DNA samples from the scene. In coordination with the FBI Laboratory, the DNA evidence was submitted for analysis using the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). A hit was confirmed, identifying the suspect as Uziah Alaniz (25) of Ruidoso Downs. Subsequent investigation revealed Alaniz, was already incarcerated at the Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Clayton, NM, on unrelated charges.

A search warrant to collect DNA from Alaniz was granted and on October 30, 2025, agents traveled to the Northeast New Mexico Detention Facility to serve the search warrant and collect DNA from Alaniz. Those samples were submitted to the FBI Laboratory for comparison.

On December 29, 2025, the FBI Laboratory confirmed a positive DNA match linking Mr. Alaniz to the burglary at Johnston Jewelry. Following confirmation, an arrest warrant was drafted and served to Alaniz.

He was charged with:

• Count 1: Aggravated Burglary (Deadly Weapon)
• Count 2: Possession of Burglary Tools
• Count 3: Larceny (over $20,000)
• Count 4: Tampering with Evidence
• Count 5: Criminal Damage to property

This outcome provides a measure of accountability and restitution to victims who were taken advantage of during a major catastrophic event, and reinforces our commitment to public safety and justice, even under the most challenging circumstances.