Man Charged in Beating Death of Man at Gas Station

Albuquerque –

APD homicide detectives charged Gabriel Rodriguez today for the fatal beating of a man overnight at a West Side gas station.

Detectives arrested Rodriguez, 33, at his home today after Homicide detectives secured an arrest warrant. The victim, an adult male, has tentatively been identified but his name is not being released until family members are notified of his death.

Officers were called to the Maverik Gas Station, located at 9701 Bluewater Rd., N.W., just before Midnight to check on a man who appeared to be down and out, and was bleeding. Officers responded and attempted first aid, but the man died at the scene.

A witness told an employee of the gas station that the suspect punched the victim in the face and ran off. Video surveillance showed the two men exchange words in front of the gas station. The victim extended an empty hand and the suspect immediately punched the victim four times in the face. The suspect got into an Infinity car and left the scene.

The store employee recognized the suspect as a regular customer who would hang round the gas station often. Officers used license plate readers to locate the Infinity sedan and assist with additional investigation to identify Rodriguez.

Detectives with APD’s Investigative Support Unit tracked Rodriguez down and arrested him.

Rodriguez is charged with an open count of murder. He will be booked into the Metro Detention Center.