SANTA FE (NM)
KRQE - CBS/Fox 13 [Albuquerque NM]
May 24, 2024
By Curtis Segarra
After being arrested in 2023, the former pastor of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community in New Mexico – Daniel Balizan – passed away before the completion of his trial. He was expected to make a plea in the federal case.
Balizan was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2023. They accused him of attempting to knowingly persuade an underage boy to engage in sexual activity. On May 24, 2024, at a plea hearing in federal court, the assistant U.S. attorney announced that Balizan was deceased and that there would soon be a motion to dismiss the case. The United States Attorney’s Office told KRQE that Balizan was found deceased at his home but that the manner of death has not yet been determined as of Friday afternoon.
Following the news, the Archdiocese of Santa Fe responded to the death, claiming Balizan took his own life.
“His tragic decision to end his life underscores the far-reaching and devastating consequences of the crime of child abuse—affecting victims, their loved ones, and even perpetrators themselves,” the Archdiocese of Santa Fe said in part in a press statement. “The Archdiocese of Santa Fe reiterates its steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding the sexual abuse of children and adults. We are dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and work tirelessly to prevent such incidents from occurring.” You can read the archdiocese’s full statement at the bottom of this story.
Balizan also faced multiple civil lawsuits over abuse allegations. In New Mexico, other former church leaders have also faced similar allegations and lawsuits.
Several resources exist for individuals who have experienced abuse. The state’s Children, Youth and Families Department offers a report line for child abuse at 1-855-333-SAFE (7233) or #SAFE from a cell phone. Two law firms have created a website to report priest abuse, and New Mexico offers a statewide mental health crisis line at 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474).
Full statement from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe is saddened by the news of former priest Daniel Balizan having taken his life; we pray for comfort for his family and those who cared for him. May God have mercy on his soul.
As the news has indicated, Daniel was awaiting a hearing in a child sexual abuse case. His tragic decision to end his life underscores the far-reaching and devastating consequences of the crime of child abuse—affecting victims, their loved ones, and even perpetrators themselves.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe reiterates its steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding the sexual abuse of children and adults. We are dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all children and work tirelessly to prevent such incidents from occurring.
We urge anyone contemplating suicide to seek help. Resources are available to assist you. If you or a loved one is experiencing an emotional crisis, mental health issues, or substance use concerns, support is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please contact the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line or the Peer-to-Peer Warmline at 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474) or reach out to your local parish pastor for support.
-ARCHDIOCESE OF SANTA FE