Albuquerque man pleads no contest to killing over stolen gun

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque man Angelo Barela took a plea deal Tuesday in connection to the killing of Demetrius O’Neill in 2023. Barela pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter with a firearm enhancement.

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According to a criminal complaint, Barela told police O’Neill had broke into his car and stole his gun days before the shooting. O’Neil and his girlfriend were doing a Door Dash order when Barela started following them. O’Neil’s girlfriend confirmed to police that he stole Barela’s gun and tossed it out the window to try and get Barela to stop following them. It didn’t work and Barela caught up with the couple at a gas station on Coors and opened fire. O’Neil was hit in the head and killed.

Barela is facing up to ten years as part of the plea deal. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

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