APD arrests man for Saturday's murder at West Side Motel 6

May 5, 2023

ALBUQUERQUE – APD homicide detectives charged 24-year-old Jose “Angel” Fitzpatrick overnight for the April 29, 2023, shooting death of Damon Howard at the Motel 6 near Coors Blvd. and I-40.

Detectives conducted surveillance through the week as Fitzpatrick drove from the West Side to the Southeast where he conducted what appeared to be drug transactions. Detectives attempted to serve a warrant late Wednesday as Fitzpatrick went inside a residence at 6413 Maplewood Ct., S.W. Fitzpatrick refused to exit the home, resulting in a SWAT activation that lasted most of the night. SWAT officers eventually found Fitzpatrick hiding inside the home and he was detained.

Homicide detectives executed a search warrant on Fitzpatrick’s vehicle, which was the same vehicle seen leaving the scene of the homicide on Saturday. Detectives located a firearm, which was later determined to be the murder weapon. Fitzpatrick denied involvement, but gave conflicting statements to detectives that did not match up with witness statements and evidence.

Homicide detectives learned through investigation that the victim, Howard, contacted Fitzpatrick on the night of April 29 to purchase 10,000 Fentanyl pills. Howard later arrived at the Motel 6, located at 6015 Iliff Rd., N.W. Fitzpatrick and Howard got into a dispute over the drugs and money, and Howard left the room, saying he was going to his car and would be right back. Howard returned to the room, a confrontation ensued, and Fitzpatrick shot Howard several times, according to a witness.

Fitzpatrick was arrested Thursday on a separate warrant drug charges. He was booked into the Metro Detention Center, and now is charged with an open count of murder, receiving stolen property (firearm), escape from custody of a peace officer, resisting/evading/obstructing an officer.

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