APD arrests man for 2019 murder

ALBUQUERQUE – APD Homicide detectives arrested Octavio Saenz for the 2019 shooting death of Aaron Murphy.

Detectives determined that Saenz drove to 5716 Kathryn Ave., S.E. on the night of April 28, 2019, to smoke and sell marijuana to someone who was with Murphy. Saenz recognized Murphy, who had robbed him a few months earlier.

The witness who was with Murphy said Saenz produced a firearm and shot at them as they attempted to run away. Murphy was shot and later died as a result of his wound.

Detectives developed new evidence in recent months, including social media conversations, that led to a search warrant for Saenz’s DNA. Detectives interviewed Saenz who initially denied shooting Murphy. But he changed his story and later said a man with a mask fired a gun at him and he retrieved a firearm and fired back.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant after the interview and charged Saenz with an open count of murder. He was booked Wednesday into the Metro Detention Center.

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