Las Cruces police ID woman killed in motel crash; suspect arrested

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Police have identified the woman killed in a Friday crash at a local motel as 55-year-old Kari J. Scholin. The suspect, 22-year-old Alan Leyva-Vasquez, was arrested and faces a felony charge of vehicular homicide.

The crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the Imperial Sky Motel at 1865 W. Picacho Ave. Authorities say Leyva-Vasquez reversed a Chevrolet Suburban into a motel room, striking two occupants.

A 59-year-old man inside the room sustained minor injuries, while Scholin succumbed to her injuries at the scene, according to police reports.

Leyva-Vasquez was taken into custody Friday afternoon and booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond.

Authorities have not released further details about what led to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.