APD arrests man for fatally shooting nephew
Sunday, April 2, 2023
ALBUQUERQUE – APD homicide detectives arrested 83-year-old Melquaides Garcia and charged him with 2nd Degree Murder for the shooting death of his nephew during an altercation.
Witnesses told detectives that Garcia and his nephew, Stephen Garcia, were arguing Saturday afternoon inside the trailer they shared at 2901 Carlisle Blvd., N.E. Melquaides Garcia shot Stephen Garcia one time with a revolver. Stephen Garcia died as a result of the gunshot.
Melquaides Garcia told detectives his nephew was physically abusive toward him in the past, and he was hospitalized recently following a fight. Melquaides Garcia also said his nephew was stealing items, including guns, from him. Melquaides said he and Stephen Garcia were drinking Tequila on Saturday when Stephen took a generator that belonged to Melquaides. Melquaides said he decided he, “was not going to take it anymore.”
Melquaides Garcia said he blacked out as he sat down to watch a basketball game and did not recall anything until he placed the handgun on a table and told his nephew’s girlfriend to call 911. He later admitted he shot Stephen once, but could not explain how or when he retrieved the handgun from a shed before shooting Stephen.
Detectives worked with the District Attorney’s Office and decided to charge Melquaides Garcia with 2nd Degree Murder. He was booked into the Metro Detention Center.
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