Albuquerque man charged with murder after deadly fight over spicy enchiladas

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, police say 22-year-old Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez shot and killed his 25-year-old cousin, Nathaniel Cavazos, during a family gathering that escalated after a dispute over how spicy their green chile enchiladas were. Investigators allege the cousins argued repeatedly—after Gutierrez claimed his portion was hotter—leading to antagonizing behavior, a fistfight outside the apartment complex, and Cavazos punching Gutierrez before walking away. Court records cited in reporting say Gutierrez then produced a handgun and fired multiple times from close range, striking Cavazos in the back; he died at the scene. Several reports describe a witness statement in which Gutierrez shouted that they were family before the shooting. Gutierrez is charged with murder and was booked into a detention center after the incident, with reporting also noting he later turned himself in.