Police Seek Public’s Help in Suspicious Death of 63-Year-Old Man Found Near Las Cruces Bus Stop

LAS CRUCES, N.M. – June 14, 2025 — The Las Cruces Police Department is appealing to the public for information as detectives continue to investigate the suspicious and tragic death of a 63-year-old man found near a bus stop on the city’s east side Thursday afternoon.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. on June 12, emergency responders from the Las Cruces Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the area of east Lohman Avenue, between Nacho Drive and Foothills Road, following multiple 911 calls from concerned passersby. Callers reported seeing a man lying face down on the ground near a city bus stop, not far from the access ramp leading to the Las Cruces Dam recreation area.

Upon arrival, first responders located the man with visible injuries to his face and exhibiting signs of agonal breathing—a labored and gasping form of respiration often observed in individuals experiencing extreme medical distress or approaching death. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts at the scene, the man was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The deceased has been identified as Luther Lewis Gilbert, 63, a resident of Las Cruces. Gilbert was known to frequent areas along Lohman Avenue, and police are working to establish a timeline of his movements in the hours leading up to his death.

At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature or cause of Gilbert’s injuries, but they have confirmed the death is considered suspicious. The Las Cruces Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is leading the case and continues to collect evidence, canvass the area for surveillance footage, and speak with potential witnesses.

Investigators are especially interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen Luther Gilbert on Thursday, June 12, either in the vicinity of the bus stop or elsewhere in the area. They also hope to hear from anyone who may have spoken with him recently or who has any knowledge of his recent whereabouts, contacts, or state of mind.

“We believe Mr. Gilbert may have been in distress for some time before emergency services were contacted,” said a spokesperson for the Las Cruces Police Department. “It is vital that we hear from anyone who saw him in the area or witnessed anything unusual Thursday afternoon. Even the smallest detail could help us understand what happened.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Las Cruces Police Department directly at (575) 526-0795, or reach out to the Criminal Investigations Division at (575) 528-4222.

Gilbert’s death has cast a somber tone over the normally quiet neighborhood near the dam recreation area. Locals who frequent the nearby walking paths and transit routes have expressed shock and concern, with some calling for increased security and lighting near remote bus stops and footpaths.

As the community mourns the loss of a fellow resident, police remain committed to seeking answers and ensuring justice. The official cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Medical Investigator, which is conducting a full autopsy.

Authorities are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, the Las Cruces community is encouraged to remain vigilant and assist in any way possible as detectives work to uncover the truth behind Luther Lewis Gilbert’s untimely death.