Clovis 20-year-old's death officially ruled suicide

The death of a Clovis man found in a rural field two months ago has been ruled a suicide.

Isaac Zarate, 20, died of suicide by hanging, according to an  autopsy report released by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.

Zarate’s crashed vehicle was discovered about 6:15 a.m. on May 15 on Sugarbeet Road. He was reported missing later that day by family members. Utility workers discovered his body four days later about a mile and a half from the crash scene.

Family members have rejected findings of suicide and said they didn’t believe Zarate would harm himself.

His mother, Leticia Zarate, said Monday she has spoken with medical investigator Dr. Ian Paul, who performed the autopsy.

She said Paul told her his opinion in the case was based on photos of the scene and his examination of Zarate’s body.

She said in an e-mail to the CNJ that Paul “stated to our family when we have more evidence he will work with the proper authorities to change the suicide to a homicide.”

Paul could not be reached for comment. It is OMI’s policy to re-evaluate an opinion in the event new information comes to light, according to Associate Director Tim Stepetic.

“We’re limited by how much information that we get,” he said.

The autopsy report states Zarate had ligature marks around his neck from a piece of baling wire but no other significant injuries.

The report did not contain an estimated time of death.

“If it’s a homicide we’ll work with the police or law enforcement to try to come up with some sort of time of death. In this case we didn't,” Stepetic said.

In the opinion section of the report, Dr. Paul noted reports Zarate had been “described as acting agitated” before he went missing, and that he reportedly “sent text messages prior to his death, which were described as suicidal in nature.”