Mother’s Tragic End in Santa Fe Home

Shocking Murder Case in Rancho Viejo

A man from Santa Fe has been charged with killing his mother in a shocking incident that unfolded over the weekend at their shared residence in Rancho Viejo. The 26‑year‑old, Deven Josiah Roybal, faces first‑degree murder and additional felony counts tied to the fatal stabbing of his 50‑year‑old mother, Jennifer Vigil.

The discovery began when Vigil’s sister called emergency services after finding her body in the kitchen of their Johnson Mesa house. A mistaken assumption that the remains belonged to Roybal led to a confusing 911 call, but law enforcement quickly identified the victim as the mother.

An affidavit from a recent court filing described Vigil lying in a fetal position, her face partially covered. The report also noted that the family’s blue Ford Fusion was missing from the property, a detail that later linked to Roybal.

Police ruled out Roybal’s brother as a suspect after speaking with him; he had been under a restraining order and had previously made false claims that Roybal was dead.

During the house search, investigators confirmed multiple stab wounds on Vigil’s body and found a large kitchen knife with blood and hair. A bloody shoe print and a fingernail clipping were also recovered, while two interior cameras had been disconnected. A journal with a last entry dated March 19 was discovered as well.

Authorities learned that Roybal had been arrested earlier in the week near Farmington for DWI and driving with an invalid license, using Vigil’s vehicle. A search of his personal belongings uncovered Nike shoes matching the kitchen footprint and photographs showing broken fingernails that corresponded to the clipping found at the scene.

Last month, Roybal faced charges in a separate domestic‑violence case involving battery and property damage against a household member. Family members report that he suffers from schizophrenia and has struggled with drug use.

No new court dates have been set for the murder case as of early Tuesday afternoon.