Two Convicted of Murder in 2023 Tattoo Shop Killing

Albuquerque –

Late yesterday afternoon, a jury found Brian Garcia, 51, and Jesse Steven Cook, 46, guilty of second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder in connection with the death of 30-year-old Jonathan Arsenault.

According to the criminal complaint, a calling party reported to police that Arsenault was restrained and during an assault. The incident occurred on December 29, 2023, at 4815 Central Ave. NE. Emergency responders transported him to the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) in critical condition. He died from his injuries there in January 2024.

After the assault on Arsenault on December 29, investigators charged Garcia and Cook with aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm. Following Arsenault’s death, the prosecution upgraded the charges to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder.

The court will schedule sentencing in the coming weeks.

Deputy District Attorney Christine Jablonsky and Senior Trial Attorney Emilie Edmonds prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of the District Attorney.