An argument over who had the spicier enchiladas turned deadly in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
According to police and court documents, Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez, a 22-year-old man, has been charged with an open count of murder in connection with the death of his 25-year-old cousin, Nathaniel Cavazos.
The incident reportedly happened on August 27 at the Copper Hills apartment complex in northeast Albuquerque. The two cousins had reportedly been spending time with family, drinking, and preparing green chile enchiladas.
At some point during the gathering, Gutierrez and Cavazos began arguing about the food, specifically over which enchiladas were hotter.
The Argument Turned Violent
A witness told authorities that tension began when Gutierrez repeatedly claimed the chile on his enchiladas was hotter than the chile Cavazos had on his. Cavazos then responded that they were all the same enchiladas, so they should be on the same spice level. The men continued to argue after the witness suggested they take his dog for a walk.
According to the arrest affidavit, the situation escalated after Cavazos allegedly punched Gutierrez during the argument, which left the latter bleeding. Following this, Gutierrez allegedly retrieved a handgun and fired multiple shots at his cousin as Cavazos attempted to walk away. Gutierrez then fled the scene.
Local police arrived at the apartment complex shortly before 11 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Cavazos was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gutierrez turned himself in to authorities the following day. He remains accused of murder while the case proceeds through the legal system.
Gutierrez Said He Didn't Want to Kill Him
A witness had shown investigators a Snapchat message in which Gutierrez allegedly claimed that Cavazos had threatened his life.
"Is he really dead? I did not want to kill him but i didn't want him to kill me", Gutierrez allegedly wrote.
Police confirmed a handgun belonging to Cavazos was found around 10 yards from his body.