Social Media Gun Deal Gone Bad, 2 Charged in Murder of Dealer

LBUQUERQUE – APD homicide detectives arrested two suspects in the overnight shooting death that occurred in front of a residence west of Old Town.

Detectives arrested Xavier Torres, 22, and John Gonzales, 19, and charged them for fatally shooting Gabriel Montaño, 20, on April 7th, 2026.

Torres and Gonzales claimed they shot Montaño in self-defense as he pulled a handgun from a cross-body pack on his chest. However, detectives determined Torres and Gonzales gave inconsistent statements and noted that they deliberately called for Montaño to go to their home, even though they suspected he would be armed with a firearm. Torres and Gonzales armed themselves prior to the encounter with “big shit” to match Gabriel’s “energy” to confront him.

According to the criminal complaint, Montaño was known to pose with guns, “switches,” a device that converts a Glock handgun into a full auto firing system, and cash in photos. He would post them in the social media service Telegram.

Officers responded to reports of the shooting on Tuesday shortly after 8 p.m. They located a deceased man, later identified as Montaño, in the street in front of a home at 3216 Don Gabal Lp., N.W. Officers also encountered Torres and Gonzales and noted they were surprised to see the two men with their hands in the air, awaiting commands.

During the initial investigation, officers obtained surveillance video of the shooting, which showed three men standing in the area where the shooting took place. Without warning, one of the men took a small step back and began firing about 10-15 shots at another man. As the victim fell to the ground, the shooter continued to shoot, even after the victim was on the ground.

Officers located the firearms used during the shooting on the back of a Ford SUV.

Detectives learned from witnesses that Gonzales sold guns on the social media sites, including Telegram.

During a search of the home, investigators found a black backpack with additional gun magazines, handguns, and other firearm-related items. A search of Torres’ vehicle produced a shortened .12guage shotgun. A Glock handgun was found in the children’s bedroom.

Torres and Gonzales are each charged with an open count of murder. They will be booked into the Metro Detention Center.

Torres was facing charges from a 2023 incident where he pointed a firearm at his then girlfriend and her family. Gonzales had a juvenile case in 2023, but due to strict laws, we were not able to access the crime he committed in 2023.