ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A local judge just sentenced a man from Georgia for the murder of an elderly man at a rest area in northern New Mexico.

New Mexico State Police say Dorien Ray stabbed and carjacked 79-year-old David Adams in April 2024. The victim and his wife were at the Thaxton rest area, on I-25 south of Raton. 

Ray led state police on a chase on I-25 into Las Vegas, where they arrested him.

Ray pleaded guilty to the murder and armed robbery in February.  Ray is sentenced to 36 years and 6 months.