New Mexico man convicted of killing homeless person behind gas station when he was 17 years old

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (TCD) — A jury not too long ago discovered a person responsible of fatally capturing a homeless particular person behind a fuel station in 2021 throughout a combat about narcotics.

Bernalillo County District Legal professional Sam Bregman introduced Thursday, Dec. 21, {that a} jury convicted Santiago Silva of the first-degree homicide of 23-year-old Matthew Chavez. The jury additionally discovered Silva responsible of armed theft with firearm enhancement and tampering with proof.

In keeping with an preliminary press launch from the Albuquerque Police Division, within the in a single day hours of July 29, 2021, Silva, who was 17 years previous on the time, was seen on surveillance video strolling in an alley behind the Fast Observe fuel station at 1720 Central Ave. S.E. Silva reportedly spoke with Chavez earlier than pulling out a gun and capturing one spherical towards the sufferer, killing him.

In keeping with police, Silva ran via an empty parking zone following the incident.

The following month, police had been investigating a serial theft case when three males allegedly robbed a smoke store. Detectives reportedly arrested the lads, together with Silva. Police stated they “found bullet casings at that scene that linked the theft investigation to the murder of Chavez.”

In keeping with police, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, almost two years after the capturing, a juvenile probation officer informed officers Silva requested to talk with detectives. Throughout an interview, Silva stated Chavez requested him for narcotics, they usually obtained right into a bodily combat.

Silva reportedly stated he “fought Chavez over a handgun, and when he obtained custody of it, he shot the gun one time,” and it hit Chavez. Silva admitted he was on medication on the time, so he was paranoid and determined to not name police.

Bregman stated Silva faces life in jail, and his sentencing might be set at a later date.

“That is one other tragedy involving a juvenile with a gun,” Bregman stated, including, “This violence has to cease.”

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