Introduction

The New Mexico State Police have identified the body found at a residence on Harris Drive as 70-year-old Donna Stevens. The discovery was made during a police search on January 26. However, the time and cause of Stevens’ death are yet to be determined.

Police Investigation and Arrest

The search warrant executed by state police at 810 Harris Drive was initially intended to arrest Robert Geyer, a 62-year-old man facing charges of trafficking a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. Tragically, Geyer took his own life when confronted by officers at the front door of the house.

Geyer’s arrest warrant stemmed from an incident on December 27, when he was pulled over by a New Mexico State Police officer for failing to use his turn signal. During the traffic stop on Gusdorf Road, the officer discovered two other individuals in the vehicle who were subsequently arrested on outstanding warrants.

Upon observing one of the passengers attempting to conceal drug paraphernalia, the officer instructed Geyer to step out of the vehicle. In the process, the officer noticed a round blue pill resembling fentanyl on the driver-side floor. While Geyer’s vehicle was seized, he was allowed to return to his residence.

The following day, a search warrant was executed on Geyer’s vehicle, leading to the discovery of 46 fentanyl pills and additional drug paraphernalia. This prompted the issuance of an arrest warrant for Geyer on January 11, the day after his birthday.

Background of Donna Stevens

Debra Bochman, Stevens’ sister residing out of state, revealed that the family had lost contact with Stevens since November 14. Consequently, Stevens was reported as a missing person in the New Mexico State Police database. Bochman stated that she had no knowledge of Geyer and had infrequent communication with her sister.

Stevens, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, spent a significant portion of her life in Panama City, Florida. Approximately 20 years ago, she relocated to Taos while working for Davita Dialysis.

Court records indicate that Stevens filed domestic violence charges against a man named Ruben Gomez in 2003. Bochman clarified that Gomez was Stevens’ boyfriend at that time. After living in Taos for seven to ten years, Stevens returned to Panama City to work at another dialysis clinic.

In 2019, following the death of their mother, Stevens returned to Taos. Bochman noted that during this period, Stevens developed a drug problem due to severe back pain and subsequent medication use.

Bochman eventually confronted Stevens about her alleged drug use, resulting in Stevens cutting off contact. Soon after, Stevens left her rental home in Taos, leading to charges being filed against her for property damages. A civil complaint filed in September 2023 detailed broken windows and screens, damaged light fixtures, flooring, and a lock that required replacement. The landlord incurred costs of $9,500 for repairs and debris removal.

Furthermore, a 30-day notice of rental termination revealed that Stevens was living with her son and two other individuals, violating the lease agreement which permitted only one full-time resident. The notice also mentioned her son’s struggles with narcotics but did not explicitly state that Stevens was involved in drug use.

Connection to Geyer’s Residence

Bochman became aware that Stevens might have been residing at Geyer’s house on Harris Drive after leaving her previous rental home. According to Bochman, Geyer’s residence had a notorious reputation as a “flop house” and was often referred to as a drug-dealing location.

Upon the police’s arrival at the property on January 26, they encountered a group of individuals outside, resulting in the arrest of six individuals with outstanding warrants. Jeremy Badhand (39), Julia Cebada (30), and Angelica Cantu (25) were arrested for drug possession. Joe Gomez (47) was arrested for assault, Martika Anaya (26) for failing to appear in court on a shoplifting charge, and Ashley Gonzalez (30) for non-compliance with drug court.

Conclusion

The identification of Donna Stevens’ body at the Harris Drive residence brings some closure to her family. However, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing. The connection between Stevens and Robert Geyer, as well as the presence of other individuals with outstanding warrants, raises further questions that law enforcement will continue to explore.