Police Find 69-Year-Old Missing Woman Dead in Santa Fe Home

Santa Fe police confirmed the death of Maria Beaman Gordon, 69, after finding her body in her home on Thursday afternoon. Detectives stated that signs indicated Gordon had died several days before officers discovered her. The family received notification of her death.

A family member reported Gordon missing on Oct. 29. She had last had contact with relatives on Oct. 6 at 9:50 a.m. Police are awaiting the Office of the Medical Investigator’s ruling on the cause of death. Detectives reported they saw no immediate signs of foul play at the scene.

The investigation connected to the discovery of Gordon’s vehicle. Patrol Team A officers had stopped her car near Santa Fe Railyard Park on Oct. 23. The vehicle was spray-painted and lacked a license plate at the time of the stop. The driver, Passion Lovette Stiglman, 30, told officers the car belonged to her sister.

Officers identified Gordon as the registered owner but could not reach her because the registration listed a previous address. After learning Gordon had moved in recent months, detectives went to her new home and found her body. The vehicle was later entered into the National Crime Information Center as stolen.

Patrol Team C officers spotted Stiglman driving the stolen vehicle near Galisteo Street and Water Street on Thursday at about 10:40 p.m. They stopped the car at Water Street and Don Gaspar Avenue. The vehicle had a different license plate installed, and Stiglman showed signs of impairment. A DWI officer and the Crime Scene Unit processed the scene for evidence.

Police arrested Stiglman on charges of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, DWI, no license, and no seatbelt. They booked her into the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Center. Detective Rebecca Hilderbrandt is leading the active investigation. Anyone with information can contact her at 505 955-5265 or via email at rrhilderbrandt@santafenm.gov.