USMS and BCSO SWAT Arrest Wanted Murder Suspect in War Zone

Albuquerque –

The United States Marshals Service Southwest Investigative Fugitive Task Force, in coordination with the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), located and arrested a 22-year-old man wanted in connection with a murder investigation on Oct. 15.

Hezekiah Beltran was arrested near Mesilla SE and Trumbull Avenue. An arrest warrant issued through the New Mexico Metropolitan Court charged Beltran with an open count of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping and tampering with evidence.

U.S. Marshals located Beltran Thursday evening. Authorities said Beltran barricaded himself inside a residence and refused to comply with lawful commands.

The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and the U.S. Marshals Service coordinated efforts to safely take Beltran into custody.

Following his arrest, Beltran was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center.

The arrest resulted from a coordinated effort involving APD, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service.

“The safety and security of our communities is our number one priority,” said David O. Barnett Jr., U.S. marshal for the District of New Mexico. “We will continue to work with our local, county, state and federal partners to bring those who commit heinous crimes to justice.”

Despite Beltran has had a criminal record since he was at least 21-years-old. According to a criminal complaint filed in July 2025, Writing

An Albuquerque Police Department Gun Violence Reduction Unit detective investigated the May 15, 2025, shooting of a man who was wounded in the chest at an apartment complex on Crest Avenue SE. The victim told investigators that a man known as “Hez” or “Hezekiah” shot him following a confrontation over a suspected vehicle break-in. Investigators identified Hezekiah Beltran as a potential suspect through witness statements, social media accounts and associated Google account records. Surveillance footage showed a man running from the apartment complex while holding what appeared to be a firearm, though the detective could not confirm the man’s identity. Google search history associated with Beltran’s account included searches about self-defense shootings and interactions with police. The victim did not identify the suspect in a photographic lineup. Although investigators sought an arrest warrant for Beltran on suspicion of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, the charges were ultimately dismissed because prosecutors could not proceed with the case.

In November 2025, an Albuquerque Police Department officer detained Hezekiah Beltran and another individual after observing them on posted no-trespassing property in the 110 block of Indiana Street SE. A records check revealed two confirmed felony warrants for Beltran, who was arrested. During a search, the officer found a baggie containing a white, crystalline substance that presumptively tested positive for methamphetamine. Beltran was transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center for booking on charges of criminal trespass and felony possession of a controlled substance, as well as the outstanding warrants. In January 2026, these charges were “Settled/Plea During Hearing or Trial.” The court notes state “Notice to Defendant: The state may refile the same criminal charges, or others resulting
from the same incident, at a later time. In case charges are refiled, you must ensure that the court has your current contact information (mailing address, phone number, and email) to avoid a
bench warrant being issued for your arrest. If your contact information changes at any time,
please notify the court as soon as possible.” It is unknown if the DA’s office will attempt to refile charges.

On July 1, 2026, New Mexico State Police agents conducting surveillance near Central Avenue and San Pedro observed Hezekiah Beltran allegedly engaging in multiple suspected hand-to-hand narcotics transactions. Agents reported observing cash exchanges for items from Beltran’s crossbody bag, and one agent saw a bag containing a powdery substance consistent with fentanyl. Beltran was apprehended during a high-risk felony stop, and an officer found a small bag of suspected fentanyl in his coin pocket. Beltran reportedly identified the substance as fentanyl. He was booked on charges of conspiracy to commit trafficking by distribution and distribution of a controlled substance. At the time of the murder, Beltran was released on recognizance in connection with these charges. A failure-to-appear warrant was issued on August 6, 2026, and a conditions-of-release violation hearing is now scheduled for October 21, 2026.

The Southwest Investigative Fugitive Task Force works to improve public safety and reduce violence throughout New Mexico by identifying, investigating and apprehending fugitives wanted for serious crimes. The task force also emphasizes the principles of justice, integrity and service.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives is encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals Service office, call the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit information through the U.S. Marshals Service Tip App.