Home / Crime and Justice / Spicy Enchiladas Lead to Fatal Shooting
Spicy Enchiladas Lead to Fatal Shooting
3 Sep
Summary
- Man charged after allegedly shooting cousin over spicy enchiladas.
- Argument escalated from a cooking dispute to a fatal physical fight.
- Victim remembered as kind, always willing to help and make others smile.
A deadly altercation occurred on the night of August 27, when 22-year-old Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez allegedly shot and killed his 25-year-old cousin, Nathaniel Cavazos. The incident followed an argument stemming from a dispute over who had prepared the spicier green chile enchiladas. Both individuals had been drinking with family members prior to the disagreement.
The verbal dispute reportedly turned physical inside an Albuquerque apartment complex. According to witness statements, Gutierrez fired three to four shots into Cavazos' back as he attempted to walk away. Gutierrez fled the scene before authorities arrived.
Cavazos was pronounced dead at the scene. Gutierrez was arrested on August 29 and faces an open count of murder. He reportedly contacted family via Snapchat after the incident, asking if Cavazos was dead and claiming he acted in self-defense.
A vigil was held for Cavazos, who was described by neighbors as a kind and helpful individual. His family remembers him as someone who laughed often and enjoyed making others smile.
