New Mexico Woman Who Blamed Husband’s Death On Suicide Now Charged With His Murder

A New Mexico woman who initially told authorities that her husband had taken his own life is now facing murder charges following a years-long investigation. Heather Fernandez-Hoefer, 51, has been officially charged in connection with the 2020 death of her husband, Robert Hoefer, 49.

The shocking update was shared by the Farmington Police Department in a Facebook post published on April 1. According to the announcement, Fernandez-Hoefer has been charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

The case began on November 29, 2020, when officers responded to a 911 call made by Fernandez-Hoefer. At the time, she reportedly told emergency responders that her husband had stabbed himself and was unresponsive.

Initial questioning by police seemed to support her story, but over time, inconsistencies began to surface. Authorities say her statements about the incident shifted multiple times, eventually raising red flags.

According to an affidavit cited by local outlet KRQE, Fernandez-Hoefer stated that her husband stabbed himself in the chest while in the home’s computer room. She claimed she was in another room and only assisted him in cleaning up afterward.

Later, she told investigators that she found her husband the following morning lying face-down on their bedroom floor. However, forensic evidence did not support her version of events.

Wife who claimed husband stabbed himself in their home’s computer room is now charged with his murder — Fernandez-Hoefer

Investigators found blood evidence almost entirely confined to the bedroom, with the majority located on the bed, not the floor where Fernandez-Hoefer claimed to have discovered the body. The only item found outside the bedroom was a washcloth.

Cell phone data further revealed ongoing tensions between the couple, with arguments reportedly revolving around money and previous relationships. A neighbor also allegedly heard a heated argument between a man and a woman in the early morning hours before Hoefer’s death.

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The affidavit highlighted that Fernandez-Hoefer provided multiple conflicting timelines, making it difficult for investigators to believe her account. Authorities concluded that her “inconsistent and unlikely statements are signs of deception.”

Fernandez-Hoefer was arrested and booked at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center. However, she was released on bond the next day, on April 2.

The Farmington Police emphasized that the investigation took several years due to the complexity of the evidence and statements. They credited forensic analysis and detailed follow-up work as key to bringing the charges.