Anthony Quiroz, a 34-year-old Hispanic man, was shot on March 24, 2023, in the 800 block of South Thorp in Hobbs, New Mexico. Officers found Quiroz leaning against a fence; he was conscious and spoke with police but could not say where he had been wounded. He was taken to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital, then airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, where he later died of his injuries.

The Hobbs Police Department opened a homicide investigation that quickly focused on 42-year-old Richard Gramps Leyva, also known as Ricardo Ruiz Leyva. Investigators reported Leyva had an extensive criminal history and was on federal parole at the time. Arrest warrants charging him with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon were issued, and a multi-agency manhunt followed. A tip led the Lea County Drug Task Force to Leyva’s location and he was arrested on August 1, 2023.

Anyone with information about Anthony, his movements on March 24, 2023, or the events in the 800 block of South Thorp is asked to come forward.