Santa Fe murder suspect located in Las Cruces after robbery, carjacking

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) – Authorities said a suspected killer was taken into custody in Las Cruces. He’s accused of killing an elderly man in Santa Fe.

“We don’t know why Mr. Babitz chose to do what he did that day, and why he targeted Mr. Wilson,” said Santa Fe Police Captain Thomas Grundler.

Police said Zachary Babitz, 38, shot and killed an 83-year-old man outside a Best Buy in Santa Fe on August 6. Afterward, authorities searched for Babitz, and he was found in Las Cruces on Saturday evening.

“Even though the data shows in most categories of violent crime being down, the cold and calculated manner in which this occurred in broad day light, in a public place,” said Capt. Grundler. It shocks the conscience and as such, it causes the citizens to fear a little bit more.”

Babitz is accused of also robbing an Arby’s in Las Cruces on Saturday after reports surfaced of a man and woman entering the restaurant with a gun and demanding money.

The pair allegedly forced a woman out of their vehicle on E. Lohman Avenue. That vehicle crashed near Missouri Avenue and Triviz Drive.

Babitz was apprehended nearby, and the woman was not located. He was taken to the Doña Ana County Detention Center and is being held on the Santa Fe warrant. Police said Babitz has an “extensive criminal history,” and he will be facing charges from the incidents in Las Cruces.

The mayor of Santa Fe issued a statement about the arrest:

I’m grateful to the Santa Fe Police Department, the Las Cruces Police Department, and the other law enforcement agencies that worked together to mount a swift and effective hunt for the suspect in the brutal murder of Gordon Wilson. I’m also grateful that, as far as we know, the fugitive didn’t seriously hurt anyone else in New Mexico during his flight from arrest. Nothing will bring Gordon Wilson back, and our hearts go out to his family and friends. But the apprehension of this suspect brings us closer to justice and healing.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber

If you know where the woman can be found, contact police at 575-526-0795.

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