Bernalillo County has announced the tragic death of a corrections officer, Joshua Munoz, in a single-car crash. The incident is currently under investigation by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.
Officer Munoz, a 19-year-old who had recently graduated from the 246th Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) cadet class on Dec. 14, lost his life on the I-40 frontage road near Atrisco Vista Boulevard and Central Avenue SW. He was due to commence his official duty at MDC on Sunday, Dec. 20, according to a press release by Bernalillo County.
"Bernalillo County, County Commissioners, MDC officers, staff, and the warden’s office would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Officer Joshua Munoz, including his brothers and sisters from MDC Class 246, who have been impacted greatly by this sudden and tragic loss," said Julie Morgas Baca, the Bernalillo County Manager.
According to another press release by Bernalillo County, Interim Warden Rosanne Otero Gonzales said: "Officer Munoz was just beginning his career here at MDC, but he was already a member of the MDC family and will be greatly missed."
The Metropolitan Detention Center's primary goal is public safety and maintaining a secure environment for inmates and staff. It operates under the principles of direct supervision and compliance with American Correctional Association (ACA) standards. In partnership with the Bernalillo County Commission, the Manager's Office, criminal justice stakeholders, and the community at large; MDC works towards safe and efficient solutions for inmate welfare. Comprehensive healthcare programs are prioritized to foster inmate well-being and reduce reoffending rates as stated on the MDC About webpage provided by Bernalillo County.