Name: Joel Valdez
Nickname: Deano
Age: 36 years old
Last Seen: September 18, 2025
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Status: Found deceased on April 12, 2026
Case Information
36 year old Joel “Deano” Valdez was last known to be in Sante Fe, New Mexico on September 18, 2025. He disappeared while driving home from Silver City to Coyote.
Background
Joel Valdez is a marine Veteran and works as a journeyman lineman for American Power. He is married and has three young children.
Disappearance
On September 18, 2025, Joel “Deano” Valdez was last known to be in Santa Fe, New Mexico around 5:40 pm. He disappeared while on his way back home from work in Silver City, where he was working as a lineman.
At 2:30 pm, Joel texted his wife to say he was leaving Silver City and was headed back home to Coyote.
His credit card statement shows a charge for gas at the Allsup’s on Cerrillos Road around 5:40 pm in Santa Fe, and a cash withdrawal from a nearby Wells Fargo ATM. His family says those two transactions didn’t seem out of the ordinary.
He was driving his 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 with license plate NM 248-THP. Joel never returned home, and hasn’t been heard from since.
His wife reported him missing to the New Mexico State Police on September 21, 2025.
Investigation
After Joel went missing his family noticed additional charges on his card that raised alarms, including a large gas purchase (enough to fill up multiple vehicles). They cancelled the card after three more purchase attempts were made right after his wife reported him missing on the 21st.
On September 22, 2025, a witness reports seeing Joel’s vehicle, a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500, in Albuquerque.
Joel Valdez Found Deceased
On April 12, 2026, Joel’s remains were found by someone walking their dog on Caja del Rio Road. The cause and manner of death has not yet been determined.
Appearance
Joel has dark brown hair and brown eyes. He stands 5’11 tall and weighs 170 pounds.
Clothing & Accessories:
Joel was last seen wearing a black shirt, Ariat or Wrangler jeans, work boots, and a custom leather wallet.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the case of Joel “Deano” Valdez please contact the New Mexico State Police at (505) 841-9256, or Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-7867.
Resources & Further Information
Joel “Deano” Valdez: Two Months Later, Family Still Searching For Missing New Mexico Man – Albuquerque Journal
New Mexico State Police Investigate Disappearance of Coyote Man, a Father of 3 and Marine Vet – Santa Fe New Mexican
State Police Searching For Missing New Mexico Man – KRQE
Leave a Reply