Career Criminal Accused of Killing Beloved Giovanni’s Owner Faces Trial This Week

Albuquerque –

Sylvan Alcachupas, a career criminal, is accused of shooting and killing Rosario Zito, the well-known and respected longtime owner of Giovanni’s Pizzeria in Southeast Albuquerque. The trial is finally expected to begin on January 8th at 9:00 AM*, and is scheduled to last seven days.

On August 30, 2022, Albuquerque Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert and a 911 call from a Giovanni’s employee reporting that their boss had been killed during a robbery. Officers found Zito at 923 San Pedro SE, in front of the pizzeria, with fatal gunshot wounds to his chest and head.

Police quickly located the suspect, Sylvan Alcachupas of Albuquerque, just east of the scene. According to the criminal complaint, Alcachupas, dressed in dark clothing, approached employees outside Giovanni’s after closing time, pointed a gun at them, and demanded money. The employees handed over $15 in tips. Alcachupas then confronted Zito, who was armed. Witnesses reported that both men exchanged gunfire before Zito was fatally shot. The complaint states Zito was shot three times.

Alcachupas fled but was apprehended shortly afterward. A woman was seen with Alcachupas at the time of his arrest, and officers observed him hand her an unknown object before she fled the area. The murder weapon was not recovered during the investigation per the criminal complaint.

During police questioning, Alcachupas claimed he did not know about a bullet found in his clothing that matched the homicide casings and stated that money or items in his pockets were his. Detectives pressed him why he appeared on security footage from the shopping center at 921 San Pedro Dr SE.

Alcachupas has a long history of violent felony convictions dating back to 2014. He pled guilty to armed robbery in 2020 and was sentenced to five years of supervised probation, which was later revoked in August 2024 after a probation violation. He was also involved in a high-speed chase in 2021, but that case was purportedly dismissed.

He has been charged with first-degree murder, robbery, and tampering with evidence. The trial, originally set for October 2024 with jury selection planned for October 9, was postponed while the judge considers other motions. It is now scheduled to begin in early January 2025.

*To find out specifics about the court hearing, such as time the trial will be held each day and courtroom, you can go to: https://seconddistrict.nmcourts.gov/about-this-district/court-dockets/bernalillo-county-district-court-docket/ and enter the case number: D-202-CR-2022-02067. See the photo below for an example. Trial start date and time may change. As of this publication, NM Courts/Odyssey shows a trial start date of January 8th.

Members of the community are reportedly permitted to attend the trial to show support for Mr. Zito’s family, coworkers, and friends. However, attendees are reminded that courtroom rules and proper etiquette must be followed, particularly in a case of this nature, as inappropriate behavior could result in delays or even a mistrial.