What we know about Brandi Fernandez's murder, 3 years after body found in Malaga

Brandi Fernandez’s skeletal remains were found in a remote area of Eddy County on April 20, 2020.

Almost three years later, police have little information as to the cause of the 43-year-old’s death and continue to lack suspects.

Attempts by the Carlsbad Current-Argus to reach Fernandez’s family members were unsuccessful.

Here’s what we know so far about the death.

More:Skeletal remains found in 2020 near Malaga identified by OMI

Fernandez's remains went unidentified for a year

Although the skeletal remains of Fernandez were found in 2020, the New Mexico Office of the Medical Examiner did not make a positive identification until a year later, on April 17, 2021.

Bones found by hikers in remote area

Investigators said the death likely occurred well before the remains were found by a group of hikers in an arroyo, due to the remote location in the high desert of southeast New Mexico.

The woman’s remains were found in a remote area around the village of Malaga, about 40 minutes south of Carlsbad, records show.

More:Eddy County Sheriff: Identity of skeletal remains a mystery

“This is the first time in my career, in 12 years, that I’ve come across anything like this,” said Lt. Amy Dugas with the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. “In normal circumstances, we recover remains more quickly. This being so remote, it was months before we found her.”

Autopsy revealed a homicide

Along with Fernandez’s identity, the autopsy performed at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine also gave hints as to the cause of death.

It was ultimately ruled a homicide.

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The autopsy report listed the cause of death as a gunshot to the head, although no bullet was found.

The skull was found fractured on the left side, read the report, indicating an entrance wound.

The autopsy also noted external beveling – a sign of a gunshot wound – along with an apparent exit wound.

“Given the anthropologic findings, the cause of death is best classified as gunshot wound of head,” the report read. “The anthropologic findings and investigative reports of the circumstances surrounding death indicate the manner of death to be homicide.”

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Multiple other bones included in remains

Fernandez’s skeleton appeared largely intact, with the autopsy also studying vertebrae, ribs, jawbones and arm and leg bones.

No other injuries were discovered by the autopsy.

Clothing and jewelry found with body

The autopsy listed a yellow-metal earing and an earing stud found with the remains, along with what was described as a blanket or sheet.

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Investigation into Fernandez’s death remains open

The Sheriff’s Office, in a Feb. 6 press release, sought via Crimestoppers of Eddy County any additional information from the public on the case.

Dugas said it was still an open investigation about 34 months after the remains were found.

“It’s still an open investigation until we exhaust all leads,” Dugas said. “Every one of these people have a family. I think it would be important to gain some closure.”

The Sheriff’s Office offered a $4,000 reward through Crimestoppers for any information leading to an arrest.

Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter.