Phoenix police: No 'signs of foul play' in death of James Hallinan
SANTA FE 鈥� Phoenix police say they are investigating the death of New Mexico political consultant James Hallinan but saw no signs of foul play.
Hallinan, 40, died last week in Phoenix, where he owned a home.
In an interview this week, Phoenix police Sgt. Phil Krynsky said officers consider it a 鈥渄eath investigation,鈥� not a homicide, at this point.
鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 appear there鈥檚 any signs of foul play,鈥� he said.
The medical examiner, not police, will determine the cause of death, Krynsky said.
Hallinan was a political consultant and spokesman for some of the most prominent Democrats in New Mexico over the last decade. He had worked for then-Attorney General Hector Balderas and, in 2018, for Michelle Lujan Grisham鈥檚 successful gubernatorial campaign.
He later accused Lujan Grisham of misconduct 鈥� grabbing his crotch and laughing during a campaign meeting. She vigorously denied the allegations.
The campaign eventually reached a $150,000 settlement with Hallinan to resolve his allegations 鈥� a matter that emerged as an issue in Lujan Grisham鈥檚 reelection campaign last year.
Hallinan鈥檚 family announced his death last week. A cause hasn鈥檛 been released.
鈥淲ith much sadness we share that our beloved and brilliant brother and son James Hallinan died on Thursday, July 20, 2023,鈥� his sister Marisa said in a Facebook post.
鈥淎t this time of deep sadness and mourning we thank you for your conveyed sentiments and support.鈥�
