A 22-year-old New Mexico man allegedly shot his cousin to death after an argument over whose green chile enchiladas were spicier, according to court documents.
Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez, 22, had traveled from Roswell to Albuquerque for a gathering at an apartment complex, court documents state.
On August 27, 2026, the suspect arrived to cook with his 25-year-old cousin, Nathaniel Cavazos, and another cousin, according to the complaint.
The group spent the afternoon drinking and preparing green chile enchiladas together, police said.
During dinner, Gutierrez allegedly insisted that his enchiladas were spicier than those made by Cavazos, according to court records. Both portions had been prepared using the same dish, documents state.
The dispute over the meal eventually escalated into a physical fight between the two men, police said.
A witness told investigators that Cavazos punched Gutierrez during the altercation, leaving the 22-year-old bleeding.
Cavazos then reportedly turned away and began walking back toward the apartment, according to court documents.
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That was when Gutierrez allegedly pulled out a handgun and fired several times, striking his cousin in the back, police said.
Officers responded to the Albuquerque complex shortly before 11 p.m., according to authorities. Cavazos was found unresponsive outside and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
After fleeing, the accused allegedly contacted a family member through Snapchat to ask whether Cavazos was really dead, court documents state.
Gutierrez reportedly claimed that he had not wanted to kill his cousin, telling the relative he feared Cavazos would kill him, according to court records.
Investigators located a handgun nearby that was believed to belong to Cavazos, police said. A witness told investigators that Cavazos was not holding a weapon when he was shot.
Neighbors remembered Cavazos as a kind and helpful person who was always willing to assist others.
On August 29, officers arrested Gutierrez on an open count of murder, police said.
The defendant remains in custody while the case moves forward, according to authorities.
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