Rio Arriba County, NM – A deadly overnight shooting outside Ohkay Owingeh Casino has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man now facing multiple felony charges, according to New Mexico State Police.
The incident occurred early Saturday at around 12:26 a.m., when Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a man found shot in the casino’s parking lot. State Police later took over the investigation.
According to State Police, surveillance footage and witness accounts indicate the shooting happened while three individuals were gathered in and around a vehicle in the parking lot consuming illegal narcotics. Investigators say Gerald Trujillo, 21, was inside the vehicle with Elias Tiberi, also 21, when Trujillo allegedly brandished a firearm and began waving it recklessly.
Tiberi reportedly urged Trujillo to stop. Police say that at one point Tiberi attempted to push the weapon away as Trujillo allegedly pointed it toward him. Moments later, the gun discharged, striking Tiberi in the upper body. According to investigators, Tiberi died from his injuries at the scene while a third man standing outside the vehicle ran to alert casino security.
Following the shooting, Trujillo allegedly pulled Tiberi from the vehicle before fleeing the area in a red Ford Mustang.
Investigators say Trujillo later turned himself in at approximately 12:45 p.m. the same day and was taken into custody without incident. He is charged with second-degree murder, negligent use of a deadly weapon, and two counts of tampering with evidence.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau continues to investigate the case.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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