Harry Velarde, 77, was killed in his Albuquerque apartment at 1015 Valencia Dr. S.E. on March 10, 2024, after being shot in the abdomen. A few days earlier he had met a woman named Destiny Pacheco and allowed her to stay with him for a few days; investigators say Pacheco and 26-year-old James Caleb Gonzales went to Velarde’s apartment intending to rob him. During a physical altercation Gonzales, who was armed, fired the fatal shot.

After the killing the suspects fled with Velarde’s phones, identification, and debit cards. Detectives tracked a stolen phone and followed the pair using surveillance as the debit card was used; authorities say the vehicle they were using had been carjacked. Gonzales was arrested with two firearms and Velarde’s identification; investigators linked the casing from the homicide to a March 3 shooting in which Gonzales is suspected of shooting his ex-girlfriend. Both Gonzales and Pacheco face murder and armed robbery-related charges.

Anyone who knew Harry, saw him in Albuquerque in early March, or has information about this case is asked to come forward.