APD arrests suspected shooter in June murder

ALBUQUERQUE – APD detectives arrested the suspected shooter who is charged for the June 9, 2024, murder of Samuel Chavez-Aquiar outside a smoke shop on Central Ave.

Salvador Gutierrez, 35, is accused of fatally shooting Chavez-Aquiar on June 9 near the Rags 2 Riches smoke shop located at 8307 Central Ave., N.E. Detectives previously arrested Deluvino Salazar for his role in the murder.

Surveillance video showed Chavez-Aquiar with another man and a woman in the parking lot just before the shooting. Chavez-Aquiar appeared to exchange words with the passenger, later identified as Gutierrez, who was leaning out of a silver Cadillac SUV as the Cadillac started to drive northbound on Utah St. The Cadillac slowly stopped. Chavez-Aquiar walked backward around a parked vehicle as the Cadillac reversed. Chavez-Aquiar reached into his waistband and pulled out a gun at the same time the passenger in the Cadillac pointed a firearm outside the passenger side window toward Chavez-Aquiar. The man and woman hid behind a car and flee toward Central, while Chavez-Aquiar retreated closer to the business, appear to be armed with a handgun.

The Cadillac pulled forward with Gutierrez still leaning out and tracking Chavez-Aquiar. As Chavez –Aquiar started to raise his firearm toward the Cadillac, the video shows him lower his arms and fall down, apparently suffering from a gunshot wound.

Detectives used surveillance video, including video from several ART bus stations along Central to track the Cadillac and identify distinctive characteristics. They eventually identified Salazar as the owner and driver of the Cadillac. Detectives continued to investigate the murder and identified Gutierrez as the shooter.

Gutierrez was arrested and will be booked into the Metro Detention Center. He is charged with an open count of murder, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy.