“MY FOOD IS HOTTER THAN YOURS”!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, POLICE SAY ERVIN JOAQUIN GUTIERREZ SHOT HIS COUSIN IN THE BACK AFTER AN ARGUMENT OVER GREEN CHILE ENCHILADAS… AND HE IS NOW JAILED WITHOUT BOND ON AN OPEN COUNT OF MURDER.
On August 27, 2026, officers responded to a shooting at an Albuquerque apartment complex.
The incident occurred at the Copper Hills Apartments in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Police arrived at the scene shortly before 11:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers found a man unresponsive.
He was located on an outdoor walkway between apartment buildings.
The man was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified the victim as 25-year-old Nathaniel Cavazos.
Cavazos lived at the Copper Hills Apartments.
Cavazos also worked at the Copper Hills Apartments.
Following his death, family members and neighbors gathered for a vigil in his memory.
Neighbors described Cavazos as someone who regularly helped other residents.
Neighbors noted that he assisted disabled neighbors who needed assistance.
His family said they wanted him remembered as someone who laughed often.
His family added that he enjoyed making other people smile.
Investigators identified the suspect as his cousin, 22-year-old Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez.
Investigators said Gutierrez had traveled from Roswell, New Mexico, to Albuquerque.
He had made the trip to attend a professional training class.
That afternoon, Gutierrez arrived at an apartment where Cavazos and another cousin were staying.
Gutierrez arrived unannounced.
The three men later went out to buy groceries.
They returned to the apartment together.
Once back, they began drinking alcohol.
They began preparing green chile enchiladas.
According to court records, there had been no conflict between the men prior to that point.
But Gutierrez began repeatedly claiming the green chile on his enchiladas was hotter than the chile on Cavazos’ plate.
Gutierrez allegedly challenged Cavazos to eat more of the chile.
Gutierrez repeatedly insulted him during the disagreement.
Cavazos reportedly responded to his cousin.
Cavazos stated that they were all eating enchiladas made from the same batch.
He noted that this meant the chile should have been equally spicy.
The argument continued between the two men.
The third cousin attempted to calm the situation.
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He suggested that they go outside and walk a dog.
The three men went outside.
Yet the argument continued.
Investigators said Gutierrez and Cavazos eventually began fighting.
According to the witness, Cavazos punched Gutierrez repeatedly.
The punches left Gutierrez bleeding.
Court records indicate both men had been armed before the physical altercation.
During the fight, Cavazos’ handgun fell to the ground.
The third cousin told investigators he picked up Cavazos’ gun.
The physical fight eventually ended.
Cavazos turned away.
He began walking off.
According to the witness, Cavazos was approximately 10 feet away.
The witness told investigators Cavazos was no longer fighting.
Then Gutierrez pulled out his own handgun.
Gutierrez allegedly yelled, “We’re family! We’re family! How could you do this to me?”
Investigators said Gutierrez then fired three or four times.
Cavazos was struck multiple times in the back.
The witness told investigators Cavazos was not holding a weapon when he was shot.
Gutierrez fled the apartment complex following the shooting.
Investigators later recovered a handgun belonging to Cavazos.
The weapon was recovered approximately 10 yards from his body.
Gutierrez left the area in a vehicle.
Investigators later used automated license plate reader technology to track the vehicle he left in.
After the shooting, Gutierrez allegedly contacted the cousin who witnessed the incident.
The contact occurred through Snapchat.
Investigators said Gutierrez asked whether Cavazos was really dead.
Gutierrez claimed Cavazos had threatened his life.
Gutierrez also wrote that he had not wanted to kill Cavazos.
Gutierrez wrote that he was afraid Cavazos would kill him.
Gutierrez later turned himself in to police.
He surrendered in downtown Albuquerque.
He was charged with an open count of murder in Cavazos’ death.
A judge ordered Gutierrez held without bond.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
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