FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORTALES POLICE DEPARTMENT
Date: October 26, 2026
Subject: UPDATE: Homicide Investigation – 600 Block of South Avenue B
PORTALES, NM — The Portales Police Department is providing an update regarding the homicide of
46-year-old Jesus Ornelas that occurred on the night of October 24, 2026, in the 600 block of South
Avenue B.
Through the course of the investigation, 20-year-old Zachary Contreras has been identified as a
suspect. Contreras has been taken into custody and is currently being held on unrelated charges.
Charges relating directly to the homicide are pending and will be filed soon.
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the 9th Judicial District Major Crimes Unit, as well as the
dedicated detectives and officers of the Portales Police Department. Their hard work, long hours, and
swift collaboration have been instrumental in advancing this investigation.
This case remains active. We will provide a subsequent update to the community once formal
homicide charges have been filed. We continue to ask anyone with additional information or video
related to this incident to contact the Portales Police Department Investigations Division.
Contact Information:
Portales Police Department
Investigations Division
575-356-4404
