Man Arrested for Unprovoked Fatal Stabbing at Birthday Party

Albuquerque – 

As previously reported this morning, the Albuquerque Police Department has apprehended an individual in connection with the early morning homicide that transpired on January 26, 2025.

APD Homicide detectives have arrested Ernesto Martinez, 41, and charged him with an Open Count of Murder.

Around 12:30 AM on January 26, officers were called to a home on the 3000 block of Kraft Court SW in reference to a stabbing. When officers arrived, they located an adult male with a stab wounds as family members were rendering aid. Martinez was being held down by other individuals inside of the residence.

Detectives learned a group of family members were celebrating a birthday. They stated at some point during the party, Martinez, unprovoked and with no argument prior, came up behind the victim and stabbed him. 

Officers did locate the knife under Martinez as family members were holding him down.

During the investigation, a detective interviewed Martinez. Martinez was read his rights under Miranda to which he stated he understood and agreed to speak to detectives without an attorney present. The suspect admitted to the stabbing. According to the criminal complaint, “I’m 100% sure I stabbed somebody.” However, he stated he could not remember who he stabbed or why he stabbed them. Martinez admitted to being in possession of a folding knife which he regularly carries in his pocket. Per the criminal complaint, Martinez mentioned he and the victim have always been friendly with each other and did not know why he would have stabbed the victim.

Following his arrest, Martinez did receive medical treatment. He was booked in the Metropolitan Detention Center and charged with first degree murder.