The Albuquerque Police Department has apprehended a man wanted for murder. On the evening of September 26, Houston Coate, 33, was arrested for the murder of Barbara Chavez.

On August 29, 2024, an officer in the area of the 1000 block of Valencia heard multiple gunshots. With the assistance of other officers, they were checking the area when they were flagged down by two people who brought them to a female who had been shot.

The female, identified as Barbara Chavez, was pronounced deceased on scene.

Through the investigation, it was determined that Houston Coate had knocked on an apartment at 1015 Valencia Drive SE wanting to retrieve items left inside an apartment. After a brief conversation with a few people inside, he fired several shots into the apartment, killing Chavez.

On September 26, detectives with the Investigative Services Division located Coate who attempted to flee on foot. Coate has been charged with an Open Count of Murder, Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon, Shooting at an Occupied Dwelling, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

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