Zachary Babitz/FJDA photo

BY MARY CARMACK-ALTWIES
District Attorney
First Judicial District

On Saturday evening, Las Cruces police officers arrested homicide suspect Zachary Babitz in connection with August 6th’s senseless killing of 83-year-old Gordon Wilson. He is charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery and felon in possession of a firearm. Babitz, 38, has an
extensive criminal history spanning four different states, and was released from prison in March.

The FJDA would like to thank the Las Cruces Police Department for their diligent work apprehending Babitz, and our partners at the Santa Fe Police Department — including case agent Det. Rebecca Hilderbrandt — for their efforts investigating Babitz’s involvement in Wilson’s fatal shooting. Our office will proceed in filing a pre-trial detention motion in Babitz’s case, and our staff will work tirelessly to fight for justice in this case.

When New Mexico politicians say crime in our state is only a severe problem in Albuquerque
this is the type of case that proves that statement wrong in the worst ways. An interstate criminal, who police have learned is not a native New Mexican, came into our capital city and is suspected of committing a heinous crime in broad daylight at a well-frequented shopping center. The fact that this came just weeks removed from another senseless shooting at a Sonic Drive-In — where yet another innocent civilian was victimized — compounds our city, and state’s, unacceptable crime problem. Santa Feans going to the store or working a job to make ends meet should not be afraid to live their lives in this city.

We need stronger gun legislation, stricter sentences on violent crimes and we need to better fund our criminal justice system.