Farmington, New Mexico — A New Mexico man is facing murder charges after investigators say he beat and strangled his longtime girlfriend to death before attempting to mislead police with a false story that he had been out buying dog food at Walmart.
According to investigators, 34-year-old Melvin Becenti has been charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of 33-year-old Kelsie Todacheeny, who was found dead inside her Farmington home in January 2024.
Authorities allege the evidence—including disturbing cellphone videos, physical injuries, and surveillance footage—contradicted Becenti’s version of events.
Police Say Walmart Story Quickly Fell Apart
Officers responded to a home on East 20th Street in Farmington at approximately 3:30 a.m. on January 15, 2024, after receiving a medical emergency call.
Inside the residence, they found Todacheeny dead.
According to investigators, Becenti—who called 911—told officers he had left the home roughly two hours earlier to buy dog food at Walmart and returned to find his girlfriend unresponsive.
However, investigators quickly questioned the claim after learning the Walmart store was closed during the time Becenti said he was shopping.
According to the arrest affidavit, when officers pointed this out, Becenti allegedly responded:
“I guess I didn’t.”
Investigators also learned the couple reportedly had a history of alcohol-related domestic violence incidents.
Videos Allegedly Captured Threats Before Woman’s Death
The investigation intensified after one of Todacheeny’s friends reportedly provided police with cellphone videos recorded just days before her death.
According to investigators, one video showed the victim with a black eye while a man identified as Becenti allegedly insulted her and made repeated threats.
Among the statements heard on the recording was:
“You are going to die tonight.”
Police said the videos also allegedly captured the man calling Todacheeny offensive names and threatening to kill her.
Additional recordings reportedly showed the victim lying on a couch while the suspect allegedly mocked her and manipulated her face as she appeared to be asleep.
Autopsy Revealed Signs of Violent Assault
When officers examined Todacheeny’s body, they observed bruising beneath her left eye and swelling on the right side of her face.
According to investigators, the medical examiner later determined she died from asphyxial injuries and blunt force trauma, officially ruling her death a homicide.
Police said Becenti later admitted that he and Todacheeny had been arguing on the night she died.
Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store, where they reportedly observed Becenti wearing a shirt with a dark-colored stain on the left side, which authorities believed may have been blood.
Murder Case Moves Forward
Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, prosecutors charged Becenti with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
The allegations outlined in court documents have not yet been proven in court, and Becenti is presumed innocent unless convicted.
According to court records, he is scheduled to make his next court appearance on July 31, where the criminal proceedings are expected to continue.
As the case moves through the legal system, investigators say the evidence they collected—including videos, forensic findings, and surveillance footage—will play a central role in the prosecution.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think cellphone videos and digital evidence have become some of the most important tools in modern criminal investigations? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
