A former New Mexico state police officer used a curse word to describe William Tenorio, a San Felipe Pueblo who was the fatal victim of a drunk-driving accident, The Albuquerque Journal reports.

Alfred Lovato was sitting in the back of a police cruiser after the November 26, 2008, accident in Santa Fe. His phone conversation with an unknown person was caught on tape.

"I was out with Carlos [Fierro] here in Santa Fe and I got a ride from him. He ran over some guy and we killed the (expletive)," Lovato said, according to the tape.

Authorities now want to know who was on the other end of the line as they pursue their case against Carlos Fierro, the driver of the car. He is due to stand trial on charges of vehicular homicide and causing an accident involving death.

Lovato, who resigned from the state police force, has not been charged in connection with the crime.

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