Damon Howard, 52, of Albuquerque was shot and killed on April 29, 2023 at a Motel 6 near Coors Boulevard and Interstate 40. Investigators say the shooting followed a drug deal that went wrong: Howard had contacted 24-year-old Jose Angel Fitzpatrick that night to purchase 10,000 fentanyl pills. The two met in a motel room, a dispute erupted over the drugs and money, and Howard left the room saying he would go to his car and return. When he came back, a confrontation occurred and Fitzpatrick shot Howard multiple times.

Police surveillance in the days after the homicide placed Fitzpatrick traveling across Albuquerque and allegedly conducting drug transactions. On May 3, 2023 detectives tried to serve a warrant at a residence; Fitzpatrick refused to exit, prompting a SWAT standoff that ended when he was found hiding and taken into custody. A search of a vehicle matching the one seen leaving the scene turned up a firearm later tied to the murder. Fitzpatrick was arrested on drug charges and later charged in connection with the killing.

Fitzpatrick’s attorneys asserted he acted in self-defense and that Howard had made threats before the shooting. Anyone with information about Damon Howard, his movements that night, or the events at the motel is asked to come forward.