Suspect arrested for February beating death in front of homeless service provider
ALBUQUERQUE – APD officers worked with New Mexico Probation & Parole to arrest a man today who is charged with the beating death of another man in front of a homeless service provider in Downtown Albuquerque.
Jose Gracia, who uses a wheelchair, approached the victim, Mark Lavine, in front of the Hope Village, located at 1215 3rd St., N.W., on Feb. 28, 2024. According to witnesses and surveillance video from a nearby business, Gracia maneuvered his wheelchair close to Lavine, reached up with his left hand, grabbed Lavine by the shirt near his neckline, and lunged at Lavine with force. He struck Lavine in the face with his right hand, blindsiding him while Lavine was looking in another direction. Lavine fell to the ground, landing on his back. Gracia removed himself from the wheelchair, assumed a kneeling position over Lavine and struck Lavine several times with his right hand.
Gracia fled the area in his wheelchair before rescue personnel arrived to treat Lavine, who was unconscious and unresponsive. Lavine was transported to a local hospital. He was placed on life support and died on March 16, 2024, as a result of his injuries.
Gracia is charged with an open count of murder.