Alejandro Rodriguez, a 39-year-old Hispanic/Latino man, was shot and killed on the evening of December 12, 2023, in Villanueva, New Mexico. Events began when a 43-year-old man and his companion, 59-year-old Gary Hicks of Ribera, were returning from cutting wood and saw Rodriguez’s vehicle parked outside the cousin’s home of the female homeowner. The 43-year-old stated he was aware of an active restraining order barring Rodriguez from contacting the homeowner.

A confrontation occurred outside the residence between Rodriguez and the 43-year-old, and shortly after a verbal argument a single gunshot was heard. New Mexico State Police arrived about 7:15 p.m. and found Rodriguez lying face down with a wound consistent with a gunshot; the Office of the Medical Investigator pronounced him dead at the scene. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau identified Gary Hicks as the shooter, and Hicks was arrested and charged with an open count of murder. The investigation remains ongoing.

If anyone in Villanueva or Ribera witnessed the confrontation or has information about that evening, please share what is known.