Randy Wade, 73, killed in two-dog attack in Santa Rosa; owner charged
New Mexico State Police identified Randy Wade, 73, and said two police-described pit bull mixes attacked him outside his Santa Rosa home; the dogs’ owner faces a third-degree-felony dangerous-dog charge.
Incident summary
New Mexico State Police said 73-year-old Randy Wade was fatally attacked outside his Santa Rosa home on Friday, Aug. 28, near a shed by two dogs belonging to James Campbell, 52. Investigators described the attack as unprovoked. State Police said Campbell acknowledged knowing the dogs had previously been deemed vicious; investigators learned the two pit bull mixes had reportedly been involved in an earlier attack and had recently been released from an animal shelter. Campbell was charged with dangerous dog (death of a person), a third-degree felony. The charge is an allegation unless and until adjudicated, and the investigation remained active.
New Mexico State Police said James Campbell, 52, was charged with dangerous dog (death of a person), a third-degree felony. State Police said Campbell acknowledged knowing the dogs had previously been deemed vicious. The charge is an allegation unless and until adjudicated; the investigation remained active in the Aug. 29 reporting.
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Primary record used by BiteDB
KTSM reporting republished by AOL attributes the follow-up details to New Mexico State Police: the victim was Randy Wade, 73; the attack occurred Friday, Aug. 28 outside his Santa Rosa home near a shed; two dogs belonging to James Campbell attacked him; State Police described both dogs as pit bull mixes, said they had reportedly been involved in an earlier attack and recently released from an animal shelter, and said Campbell acknowledged knowing they had previously been deemed vicious. State Police announced a third-degree-felony dangerous-dog charge against Campbell.
Open source ↗Additional sources
- NMSP investigates deadly dog attack in Santa RosaEarlier KOB-attributed local report / initial fatality confirmation · 2026-08-29
- KVIA — Aug. 30 New Mexico State Police follow-up ↗
What BiteDB does not infer
Breed is recorded only at the provenance level shown above. Missing injury details, dog history, ownership facts or circumstances remain unknown unless a reliable source establishes them. This record may be updated as police, animal-control, medical, court or follow-up reporting becomes available.