Fourth Suspect Arrested in 2025 NW Albuquerque Homicide

Albuquerque –

On Thursday evening, detectives from the Albuquerque Police Department arrested Craig Gabaldon for his role in the September 25, 2025 murder of Cesar Garcia.

Gabaldon was arrested following a SWAT activation, according to a tip received by ABQ RAW. The arrest took place off County Line Rd in Edgewood.

Gabaldon, 44, is the fourth suspect arrested for the murder. Detectives previously arrested Cruz Otero, 47, David Martinez, 37, and Miguel Otero, 43.

Detectives determined the four men were went to Garcia’s home at 6301 Pastorcito Dr. NW. in the early morning hours of September 25, 2025. One of the men, Cruz Otero, allegedly had a long history of fighting with Garcia.

According to the complaint, APD officers responded to a 911 call reporting a violent struggle and gunfire at Garcia’s residence. Officers arrived to find the front door open and Garcia deceased in a bedroom from nine gunshot wounds to the right side of his face and head. Investigators recovered seven fired .22-caliber cartridges from the scene.

Surveillance footage and digital forensic data compiled by homicide detectives tracked the movements of a dark Cadillac sedan linked to Miguel Otero and a white Chevrolet Suburban used by Martinez. The vehicles reportedly met near the crime scene just minutes before witnesses reported hearing a physical fight followed by numerous gunshots.

Garcia’s body was discovered with a broken cellphone nearby, phone records showed that Cruz Otero made calls to Martinez shortly after the homicide took place.

Witness statements detailed in the criminal complaint allege that Cruz Otero, Miguel Otero, Martinez, and Gabaldon ambushed Garcia inside his home.

Homicide detectives obtained arrest warrants for the four men on March 20, 2026. Cruz Otero was already in jail on unrelated charges. Martinez and Miguel Otero were arrested several days later.

He will be booked into the Metro Detention Center on an open count of murder, felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated burglary, conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, and two counts of tampering with evidence.