Grants Parks Closed, Linked to McKinley County Homicide Investigation

The Grants Police Department took the unusual step of shutting down every city park at sunset on March 21, citing information from the McKinley County Sheriff's Office that an active homicide investigation may have potential ties to incidents that occurred inside Grants.

The department posted the closure notice on social media Saturday and issued a formal release with a direct message to the public: "Out of an abundance of caution for public safety," city parks would be closed at sunset, effective immediately.

GPD framed the measure as temporary, stating in the release that it was "being implemented to help ensure safety and well-being of our community while both agencies continue to gather information and assess any potential threats." The closure was set to remain in place until further notice, with the Grants Police Department pledging to provide updates as conditions develop.

The McKinley County Sheriff's Office, roughly 60 miles east of Grants along I-40, has not publicly identified victims, suspects, or the specific nature of any incidents it believes may have occurred in Grants. Details of the probe remain undisclosed, and the closure has raised local concerns about what the investigation may ultimately reveal.

The Grants Police Department asked for the public's cooperation and understanding as the two agencies work in parallel. No timeline for reopening has been announced.