New Mexico Man Charged with Murder After Suspecting Affair, Kills Victim
A 61-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder in Grant County, New Mexico, following a shooting incident on November 1, 2024, according to the New Mexico State Police (NMSP).
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting near milepost 119 on US 180, where a 54-year-old woman told authorities that her boyfriend, identified as Anthony Aveles, shot her while she was driving. Aveles, who was in a separate vehicle, fled the scene.
Shortly after, another shooting was reported at 500 N. East Street in Bayard, New Mexico. Police arrived to find David Ruiz, 46, dead at the scene. The woman who called the authorities told them that her estranged husband, Aveles, had shot her son-in-law.
Officers then responded to 705 Rogers Street in Bayard, where they apprehended Aveles, who was allegedly found in possession of a handgun. During an interview with law enforcement, Aveles reportedly confessed that he had accused Ruiz of being romantically involved with the woman he had shot earlier. After a phone conversation between Aveles and Ruiz, Aveles allegedly shot and killed Ruiz.
Aveles has been charged with first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, and shooting at a motor vehicle.