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DNA Evidence Leads to Arrest in Ruidoso Jewelry Store Burglary Case

KVIA•Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 6:37 PM•KVIA ABC-7

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In a significant development, New Mexico State Police utilized DNA testing to apprehend 25-year-old Uziah Alaniz, who is accused of burglarizing Johnston Jewelry during the 2024 Ruidoso wildfires. While assisting with emergency measures in Ruidoso, police discovered the jewelry store had been broken into, with evidence including broken windows and blood samples left at the scene. The DNA collected was matched to Alaniz, who was already in custody for unrelated charges. Following a successful DNA comparison by the FBI, an arrest warrant was issued on December 29, 2025, leading to new charges against him, including aggravated burglary and larceny exceeding $20,000.

Key Details: • Incident occurred during the 2024 Ruidoso wildfires. • Alaniz faces multiple charges including aggravated burglary and larceny over $20,000. • DNA evidence was collected and matched through the FBI's CODIS system. • Alaniz was already incarcerated on unrelated charges at the time of the new investigation. • Arrest warrant was issued on December 29, 2025.

arrest law-enforcement burglary wildfires dna-evidence

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New Mexico State PoliceRuidosoUziah AlanizJohnston JewelryNortheast New Mexico Correctional FacilityFBI Laboratory

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