Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez is now facing a murder charge after a family gathering in New Mexico reportedly took a devastating turn when a disagreement between two cousins escalated far beyond the kitchen. What started as a night of cooking and drinking allegedly ended with 25-year-old Nathaniel Cavazos losing his life.
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Gutierrez Remains In Custody Following Fatal Family Dispute
According to reports, Gutierrez was arrested Saturday, Aug. 29, and charged with an open count of murder. He remains in custody as of Wednesday, Sept. 2, according to online records for the Metropolitan Detention Center. It’s unclear whether he has an attorney. Authorities say the deadly incident happened Aug. 27 at an Albuquerque apartment complex, where Gutierrez had reportedly traveled from Roswell to cook green chile enchiladas with family.
An Enchilada Debate Allegedly Escalated Into Deadly Violence
A cousin who told investigators he was related to both men reportedly said Gutierrez and Nathaniel Cavazos began arguing over whose enchiladas were spicier. The disagreement allegedly escalated into a physical altercation. Gutierrez then allegedly shot Cavazos in the back three to four times as he attempted to walk away. A witness reportedly told investigators the two men were standing about 10 feet apart at the time. Gutierrez allegedly fled before officers arrived shortly before 11 p.m., and Cavazos was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Gutierrez Allegedly Asked If Cavazos Was Really Dead
Following the shooting, Gutierrez allegedly contacted family members through Snapchat and asked, “Is he really dead?” He reportedly claimed that Cavazos had threatened him first, allegedly writing, “I did not want to kill him but i didn’t want him to kill me.” Meanwhile, Cavazos’ loved ones and neighbors gathered for a vigil, remembering the 25-year-old as someone who was kind, laughed often, and went out of his way to help others. One neighbor described him as someone who would help residents, including people with disabilities, while another said it was heartbreaking that such a kind person was taken by violence so close to home. Cavazos’ family attended the vigil but reportedly told local news they were not ready to speak on camera.
