Two Men Arrested in Fatal Shooting Death of Gabriel Montana

Two suspects found standing at the scene with their hands raised are now charged with the murder of Gabriel Montana, 20, after Albuquerque police arrived Tuesday night to find him shot dead in the street.

John Gonzales, 19, and Xavier Torres, 22, each face an open count of murder in connection with the shooting, which occurred around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday outside 3216 Don Gabal Loop NW, in the area of Mountain Road near Old Town Albuquerque. Officers found Montana unresponsive in the street with what appeared to be a gunshot wound and beyond medical help. Albuquerque Fire Rescue was also dispatched to the scene.

When officers arrived, Gonzales and Torres were present with their hands in the air waiting for commands. The two men told Albuquerque Police Department homicide detectives they shot Montana in self-defense after he pulled a handgun from a cross-body pack on his chest. Detectives said the pair gave inconsistent statements.

Investigators then executed a search warrant on a residence connected to the case and recovered a backpack containing handguns and gun magazines. A Glock handgun was also found inside a children's bedroom. A search of Torres' vehicle yielded additional evidence.

Both Gonzales and Torres were booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, where they remain held pending further proceedings.