{"id":34558,"date":"2023-04-20T11:02:13","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T17:02:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/family-seeks-murder-charges-in-farmington-police-shooting-chiefs-resignation\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T08:19:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T08:19:11","slug":"family-seeks-murder-charges-in-farmington-police-shooting-chiefs-resignation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dh.durangoherald.com\/tj\/family-seeks-murder-charges-in-farmington-police-shooting-chiefs-resignation\/","title":{"rendered":"Family seeks murder charges in Farmington police shooting, chief\u2019s resignation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Officer
Officer 1\u2019s bodycam footage shows the 5305 Valley View Ave. address as the three officers approach the home of Robert Dotson on April 5. (Screenshot from bodycam footage)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

The family of Robert Dotson, 52, has hired a legal firm in California to represent them after three Farmington Police Department officers went to the wrong house on April 5 and shot and killed Dotson when he came to his door reportedly armed with a gun.<\/p>\n

Shon Northam and Mark Reichel are asking for the resignation of Farmington Police Chief Steven Hebbe and requesting the 11th Judicial District Attorney\u2019s Office bring second-degree murder charges against the officers involved.<\/p>\n

In addition, the Northam, who was a special prosecutor for the state of California, is requesting the U.S. District Attorney of New Mexico to bring federal charges against the officers involved, claiming a federal civil rights violation.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor quite some time the residents of Farmington have been keenly aware of the wild use of force by the Farmington Police Department, with no accountability or justice provided for the victims,\u201d Northam said. \u201cWe demand that changes. We want what happened to Robbie to also result in a better community for everyone in Farmington.\u201d<\/p>\n

In a March 2023 Citizens Police Advisory Commission meeting, it was reported \u201cuse of force\u201d by officers increased in the past year, rising from nine in January 2022 to 10 in January 2023 and from five in February 2022 to nine in February 2023.<\/p>\n

Officers\u2019 use of force also increased, rising from 18 in January 2022 to 22 in January 2023 and from 12 in February 2022 to 13 in February 2023. The \u201capplication of force\u201d also increased, rising from 24 in January 2022 to 29 in January 2023.<\/p>\n

There were no cases of impact weapon use by officers in January 2023 or in February 2023.<\/p>\n

Dotson\u2019s legal team said Ring camera footage showed a 10-second delay from officers laughing and joking near Dotson\u2019s front door to Dotson opening the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cRobbie was immediately blinded by flashlights. Instead of telling Robbie that it was the police at his door in the dark and close to midnight, the officers instead yelled \u2018(expletive)\u2019 and \u2018hey\u2019 and \u2018heads up\u2019 and then the officers opened fire murdering Robbie Dotson,\u201d according to the news release.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are calling for the resignation of the police chief based on the obvious malfeasance in running the department. We also demand the City Council investigate the extensive amount of excessive force claims against the police department, and in fact, corruption within the department to cover up their constant malfeasance,\u201d said Northam.<\/p>\n

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing and being conducted by New Mexico State Police.<\/p>\n

\"5305
5305 Valley View Ave., where police attempted to mistakenly make contact with the resident regarding the reported domestic violence situation, was where Robert Dotson, 52, was shot and killed.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>

\u201cState police are still putting everything together. We don\u2019t want to run off of speculation,\u201d District Attorney Rick Tedrow said. \u201cWe want the investigation to be complete before it\u2019s reviewed. That is a best practice for all investigations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tedrow said his office takes officer-involved shootings seriously. \u201cWe want all the evidence when it\u2019s complete and then, do a thorough review at that time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Farmington City Manager Rob Mayes was contacted for comments regarding Northam and Reichel\u2019s requests of the police chief and Farmington City Council. He has yet to comment.<\/p>\n

The family has established a website, Justice for Robbie<\/a>, and Facebook page<\/a> that will provide updates on the progress of the case.<\/p>\n

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