Albuquerque Police Department (APD) homicide detectives have charged a couple in connection with the robbery and fatal shooting of a man at his apartment in Southeast Albuquerque over the weekend.
James Caleb Gonzales, 26, and Destiny Pacheco, 31, are facing multiple charges including murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit murder. The pair was arrested by New Mexico State Police at Villanueva State Park near Las Vegas following the incident.
According to authorities, Gonzales and Pacheco went to the victim's apartment with the intention of robbing him. Gonzales, armed with a handgun, engaged in a physical altercation with the victim before shooting him in the abdomen, resulting in the victim's death.
During their investigation, detectives were able to track the stolen phone and monitor the unauthorized use of the victim's debit card by the suspects. The investigation also revealed a potential link between Gonzales and a previous shooting incident involving his ex-girlfriend.
Gonzales was found in possession of firearms and the victim's identification at the time of his arrest. The tragic events unfolded at 1015 Valencia Dr., S.E., where Harry Velarde, 75, lost his life in the violent encounter.
The suspects are currently in custody facing a myriad of charges related to the crime. The APD continues to investigate the incident to bring justice to the victim and his family.
