A confrontation over an alleged vehicle break-in in Aztec, New Mexico, ended with the death of 63-year-old Kit Stephens on the evening of September 13, 2025. Stephens and another resident, Dune Stephens, approached someone they said was trying to burglarize their Jeep Cherokee on County Road 2575. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire during the encounter.

Angello Murphy, 18, was identified as the person who allegedly drew a firearm and shot both Kit and Dune Stephens; Dune suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and Kit died. Murphy was arrested at the scene, booked into the San Juan County Detention Center, and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence. The case has been filed in the 11th Judicial District Court, where the district attorney’s office has moved for pretrial detention.

If anyone in the Aztec area witnessed the confrontation on County Road 2575 or has information about the events that evening, please come forward.