LUBBOCK, Texas — The Lubbock community is mourning the tragic loss of 29-year-old Jamie Portillo, who was fatally shot on January 27, 2026, in the 1200 block of NM 236 in Roosevelt County, New Mexico.
Deputies with the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about an unresponsive driver and discovered Portillo deceased at the scene. The Major Crimes Unit was activated to investigate. Authorities identified 27-year-old Jose Omar Santos as a person of interest and issued an arrest warrant charging him with Murder, Shooting at or from a Motor Vehicle, and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.
After fleeing New Mexico, Santos was located and arrested on January 28, 2026, at a residence in Farwell, Texas. Multiple agencies assisted in his capture, including the 9th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, Texas Department of Public Safety Special Response Team, Texas Rangers, Farwell Police Department, and Parmer County Sheriff’s Office. During an interview with investigators, Santos confessed to the shooting and killing of Jamie Portillo.
The sudden and violent loss of Portillo has left family, friends, and the Lubbock community grieving deeply. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the homicide, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (575)-356-8100 or the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office at (575)-356-4408.
Jamie Portillo’s life and memory will be cherished by all who knew him. The Lubbock community extends its deepest condolences to his loved ones during this profoundly difficult time, honoring the life of a young man taken far too soon.
