A Marine Veteran’s Mysterious Disappearance Grips Family and Authorities
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Joel-Deano-Valdez-truck-102125-bea1d792582c431ba259056fbef88dcf.jpg)
A month ago, the Valdez family’s world turned upside down when 36-year-old Marine veteran Joel “Deano” Valdez vanished without a trace. On September 18, Joel, after finishing work in Silver City, N.M., made a stop at an ATM and a convenience store in Santa Fe, N.M., before texting his wife at 2:30 p.m. that he was on his way back home to Coyote, N.M. But, Joel never made it back home, leaving his family in a state of panic and uncertainty.
As the hours turned into days, concerns grew as “suspicious” charges started appearing on Joel’s cards. Monique Garcia, Joel’s cousin, revealed to a local news station that questionable transactions, including abnormal charges at a gas station and a local store, were recorded shortly after he went missing. The family reported Joel missing on September 21, and soon after, attempts to use his card were thwarted as it had already been canceled by his family. The inexplicable charges, including purchases of significant amounts of gas, only added to the mystery surrounding Joel’s disappearance.
The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) swiftly launched an investigation into Joel’s vanishing and the unsettling card activities. Reports of a potential sighting of Joel’s truck in central New Mexico have redirected the search efforts, but Monique Garcia remains perplexed by the absence of any concrete leads. She expressed disbelief at how Joel could have disappeared without a trace in a city like Santa Fe, known for its surveillance and bustling streets. The NMSP is diligently combing through surveillance footage from businesses where Joel’s card was used as part of their investigative efforts.
Described as an “ordinary person living an ordinary life” by his cousin Monique, Joel’s sudden disappearance has left the community baffled and deeply concerned. With a background of serving two tours in Afghanistan, Joel was considered to have a keen sense of awareness, making his mysterious absence even more alarming. The creation of a Facebook Page to share updates and mobilize support reflects the family’s determination to unravel the mystery behind Joel’s disappearance.
Daniel J. Chacón, a relative of Joel, highlighted his devotion as a family man and his admirable character, urging for a collective effort to bring Joel back home safely. The outpouring of support and prayers for Joel’s safe return has provided some solace to the family amidst the distress of the situation. However, without concrete answers, the emotional toll continues to weigh heavily on Joel’s loved ones, leaving them yearning for closure and resolution.
Monique Garcia’s plea for continued support and vigilance underscores the family’s unwavering commitment to finding Joel and uncovering the truth behind his disappearance. The urgency of the situation and the unanswered questions surrounding Joel’s whereabouts have ignited a shared determination to bring him back to his family. Any information or leads on Joel’s whereabouts are crucial, and authorities urge anyone with relevant details to come forward and assist in the search efforts.
As the investigation into Joel “Deano” Valdez’s disappearance unfolds, the community stands united in the hope of a safe and swift resolution to this unsettling mystery. The unwavering resolve of the Valdez family and the tireless efforts of law enforcement reflect a shared commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing Joel back home where he belongs. In the face of uncertainty, the collective support and solidarity witnessed serve as a beacon of hope in the quest to find Joel and piece together the events surrounding his inexplicable vanishing.