Albuquerque Police Arrest Suspect in Storage Facility Murder
Epifanio Torres III faces murder charges after being apprehended in Texas following the death of Mark Staake.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Property Crime
Albuquerque police have taken 38-year-old Epifanio Torres III into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of Mark Staake at a local storage facility. Investigators linked the suspect to the crime using surveillance footage and evidence recovered from the victim's stolen vehicle.
Why it matters
The apprehension of Torres concludes an intense search that began after the victim was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities utilized advanced technology, including license plate readers, to track the suspect across state lines.
Epifanio Torres III currently faces charges of murder, armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He was taken into custody at 10:15 p.m. in Sierra Blanca, Texas, after deputies from the Ward County Sheriff's Office located him.
The players
Albuquerque Police Department
This local law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating crimes and maintaining public safety within the city of Albuquerque.
Epifanio Torres III
He is a 38-year-old suspect currently facing multiple criminal charges including murder and armed robbery in connection to a homicide investigation.
Mark Staake
He was the victim of a fatal shooting discovered at a storage facility in Albuquerque.
Ward County Sheriff's Office
This Texas-based law enforcement agency assisted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the apprehension of the suspect.
The details
Surveillance footage captured Torres and Staake purchasing archery equipment together one day before the victim was found dead at a storage facility. A search warrant for the victim's gold 2003 Honda Pilot, recovered in Texas, led to the discovery of a .223 caliber Ruger rifle, a magazine, and shell casings.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Torres and Staake purchased archery equipment.
October 22, 2026: Staake was found dead at a storage facility.
October 29, 2026: Torres was taken into custody in Texas at 10:15 p.m.
Legal Context
The extradition process for Torres will follow established protocols under the Interstate Agreement on Detainers. These legal frameworks ensure that individuals facing charges in multiple states are transferred efficiently to stand trial for their alleged offenses.
The arrest of the suspect provides a significant measure of closure for the local community regarding the safety of the storage facility area. Residents and business owners are advised that the investigation remains active as authorities prepare to move the suspect back to New Mexico.
The takeaway
This case highlights the efficacy of multi-state coordination between law enforcement agencies in tracking stolen property and suspects. Residents should remain vigilant about suspicious activity and immediately report any unusual behavior to local authorities.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing investigations in the area, visit the Albuquerque Property Crime section.
