APD Makes Arrest in Downtown Shooting that Left Visitor from Española Dead

Albuquerque –

Detectives from the Albuquerque Police Department have arrested a suspect in connection with the shooting death of a man in downtown Albuquerque on Saturday morning.

Homicide detectives identified Edwin Sanders, 44, as the man who fatally shot Estevan Gomez shortly before 4:00 AM near 3rd St and Copper Ave NW, following an investigation that continued throughout the day.

Sanders was arrested on Saturday night at a residence located on the 1800 block of California St NE.

Investigators said Gomez, the victim, had traveled to Albuquerque from Española with a co-worker to attend an event.

Afterward, the two went to a downtown nightclub and later left on foot to locate their vehicle, a Ford Escape. The pair approached a vehicle they believed was theirs and attempted to enter it, but the doors did not unlock.

Police said Sanders, who was across the street, confronted the men and accused them of trying to break into his vehicle. According to the co-worker, they attempted to explain the mistake and began walking away. They later found their vehicle a short distance away, at which point Sanders allegedly retrieved a handgun from his vehicle.

The co-worker told police Sanders followed them to their car and demanded money.

As Gomez attempted to drive away, Sanders fired a single shot through the rear window, striking Gomez. Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives used witness descriptions, surveillance footage from a nearby parking garage, and automatic license plate reader (ALPR) data from the downtown area to track a black Nissan Pathfinder that fled the scene. The investigation led authorities to Sanders, who was later located at the California Street residence.

Sanders faces charges of open count of murder, attempted armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (felon).

Sanders was booked into MDC on April 19 at 2:32 AM.