Santa Fe, N.M. – Jeannine Jaramillo, convicted of murder following a tragic wrong-way freeway crash, has been sentenced to life behind bars without the possibility of parole. The incident, which took place on I-25 near Santa Fe, not only claimed the lives of two esteemed community figures but also showcased the emotional turmoil faced by those left behind.
During the court proceedings, Jaramillo's actions and statements drew sharp reactions from Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer, who did not hold back her disdain for the defendant’s claims of innocence. “And after you’ve been found out? What do you say?” the judge asked pointedly, to which Jaramillo defiantly responded, “I’m not a murderer! … I am not… I am not a murderer!” Judge Sommer continued, emphasizing the gravity of the crash and the irreplaceable loss suffered by the families: “You have taken the life of two outstanding members of the community, a police officer and a retired emergency responder...”
The fatal crash occurred after Jaramillo, 49, claimed she was being held hostage by her ex-boyfriend. This led to police pursuing her during her reckless driving on the freeway. The now-infamous chase culminated with the deaths of Robert Duran, a respected officer of the Santa Fe Police Department, and Frank Lovato, who had retired from the Las Vegas Fire Department.
Angela Gamino, Lovato’s sister, shared her pain during the hearing, detailing the devastating impact on her family: “He cared more for her life than she did. My brother died trying to save her life.” With tears evident, she poignantly stated, “Two beautiful lives were lost. Two families will never be the same.”
Jaramillo, found guilty of the murders, was handed two life sentences as well as three additional years for related offenses. The court’s decision marks the culmination of what has been described as one of the most egregious cases of recklessness and disregard for life seen by those involved.
During the sentencing, Jaramillo offered her regret, stating, “I made bad choices,” yet she held onto the notion of justice not being served by her lengthy sentence, claiming, “Sending me to prison won’t bring them back to life.” This remark drew ire as it struck many as dismissive of the suffering caused by her actions.
The impact of the tragedy extends beyond Jaramillo’s life; it has rippled through the community, invoking conversations about reckless driving, accountability, and the loss of public safety workers. Victims’ families left the courtroom with the painful knowledge of their loved ones' sacrifices, and the community of Santa Fe remains reeling from the loss of two of its dedicated members.
Judge Sommer’s unsparing remarks underscored the community’s grief, stating, “… all these officers wanted to do their job.” The words serve as a reminder of the everyday dangers faced by first responders—those who work tirelessly to protect and serve, often at the highest personal sacrifice.
With Jaramillo’s sentencing final, the irreversible consequences of reckless behavior on public roadways are starkly highlighted. The case serves as both a judicial conclusion and as a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the far-reaching impact of one moment of poor judgment. Santa Fe and Las Vegas must now reflect not only on the lives lost but also on how such tragedies can be prevented leading to meaningful change.
