New Mexico family files new lawsuit naming multiple Arkansas law enforcement officials after death of loved one
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The family of 38-year-old Daniel Barajas, a resident of New Mexico, said for more than a year they’ve been trying to get answers after a loved one’s death and are now aiming a lawsuit at several members of Arkansas agencies.
On Wednesday, the legal counsel of Barajas’ sisters Xexilia Barajas and Raquel Ramos announced they are filing a new lawsuit against several members of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, a member of Arkansas State Police and a handful of others from different agencies over the investigation of his death.
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Named in the lawsuit alongside the county are Sheriff Rodney Wright, seven members of the sheriff’s department ranked deputy through captain, county coroner Kevin Cleghorn and deputy coroner R. Allyn West, among more.
“We miss him deeply,” Xexilia Barajas said.
Arkansas State Police records show Barajas died after stepping in front of a car near the 106-mile marker on I-30 at 6 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2022. After being hit by the car he was then hit by a truck and a second car while lying on the highway.
However, this lawsuit is not the first lawsuit the family has filed.
In August of 2023, the family filed a lawsuit against multiple Saline County officials claiming the group was responsible for Barajas’ death and violated his civil rights.
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The lawsuit said that on the day Barajas was killed he was driving west from Kentucky to Dallas to visit two family members when he interacted with deputies during an early morning traffic stop.
According to the lawsuit, Barajas died shortly after the traffic stop and the family claims there were wrongdoings during the traffic stop and after. But in November, the family dismissed the case and it was closed.
In this new lawsuit, the sisters of Barajas claim there was a lack of an investigation and multiple irregularities.
“We want closure, we want peace, we want accountability and responsibility,” Xexilia Barajas said.
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KARK 4 News reached out to officials from both the Arkansas State Police and Saline County and they said they “do not comment on pending litigation.”
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