Felon Convicted of First-Degree Murder in 2024 Shooting Death of Woman

Albuquerque –

An Albuquerque jury on Thursday convicted a man of first-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of a woman inside a Southeast Albuquerque apartment, the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office advised.

Houston Coate, 33, was found guilty in the fatal shooting of Barbara Chavez during an incident on August 29, 2024, in the 1000 block of Valencia Dr. SE.

According to Albuquerque Police Department detectives, officers responded around 6:45 PM to reports of shots fired and a person down. When they arrived, they found Chavez inside an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined Coate went to the apartment, knocked on the door and asked to retrieve his belongings. After a brief exchange with people inside, he allegedly fired multiple shots into the residence, striking Chavez.

Coate was arrested on September 26, 2024, and initially charged with an open count of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at an occupied dwelling and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Court records show that Coate has an extensive criminal history, including prior felony convictions for receiving or transferring stolen motor vehicles, possession of a controlled substance, and multiple offenses involving weapons and violence against law enforcement officers. Because of a prior felony conviction, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time of the shooting.

On October 5, 2023, Coate was sentenced for a fourth-degree felony involving receiving or transferring stolen motor vehicles, according to court records. It is unclear whether Coate’s prior felony conviction, which barred him from possessing a firearm, will result in an enhanced sentence in this case.

Following Thursday’s verdict, Coate was convicted of first-degree murder. The District Attorney’s Office said in an email release, “Punishment for first-degree murder in New Mexico is life in prison.” The release added, “Coate will not be eligible for parole for at least 30 years.”

Deputy District Attorneys Christine Jablonsky and Derek Berg prosecuted the case.

“We hope this conviction brings justice to the family of Barbara Chavez,” Bregman said in a statement. “This holds Coate accountable. I’m proud of our attorneys — they work incredibly hard every day to fight for victims and keep our community safe.”