Albuquerque Police Arrest Brothers in Shooting Death
Authorities charged two brothers and their mother in connection with the April 7 killing of Gabriel Montano.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Violence
Police in Albuquerque arrested 19-year-old John Gonzales and 22-year-old Xavier Torres for the April 7 shooting death of 20-year-old Gabriel Montano. The suspects mother, Latasha Hicks, also faces charges as an accessory to the murder.
Why it matters
The investigation suggests the deadly encounter on Mountain Rd. resulted from recurring conflict between the individuals involved. Officials claim the mother played a role in the violence by allegedly purchasing the weapons used in the confrontation.
Criminal complaints allege the suspects utilized guns sold via a messenger app, with surveillance footage capturing the fatal interaction. John Gonzales, Xavier Torres, and Latasha Hicks currently face formal charges related to the shooting.
The players
John Gonzales
He is a 19-year-old suspect charged in the shooting death of Gabriel Montano.
Xavier Torres
He is a 22-year-old suspect charged in the shooting death of Gabriel Montano.
Latasha Hicks
She is the mother of the two suspects and faces charges for her alleged role as an accessory to the murder.
Gabriel Montano
He was a 20-year-old victim killed during the shooting incident on Mountain Rd.
The details
According to investigators, the brothers engaged in a verbal dispute with Montano before drawing weapons and firing. Police recovered incriminating text messages regarding the incident and allege that Hicks helped plan the confrontation.
Timeline
The shooting of Gabriel Montano occurred on April 7.
Legal Context
This case follows the enforcement patterns established by New Mexico's accessory to murder statutes. The prosecution of family members for facilitating violent crimes highlights the state's focus on targeting both the perpetrators and those who provide material assistance.
The use of surveillance footage and messenger app data in this investigation underscores how digital evidence is increasingly central to local law enforcement. Residents on Mountain Rd. and the surrounding area may see continued focus on digital forensics in future criminal cases.
The takeaway
This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for individuals who assist in the planning of violent acts. Authorities continue to monitor how conflicts between individuals escalate into lethal outcomes involving illegal weapon access.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing investigations in the region, visit the Albuquerque violence page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRQE 13.
