ALBUQUERQUE – Zachary Babitz, 39, is staring down the ultimate penalty after federal prosecutors announced their intent to seek the death penalty in connection with a brazen crime spree that terrorized New Mexico throughout July and August of 2024. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico filed a Notice of Intent yesterday, signaling a no-holds-barred pursuit of capital punishment.
The 13-count indictment paints a picture of escalating violence. Babitz is charged with Interference with Commerce by Robbery (July 30, 2024), followed by a Bank Robbery (July 31, 2024). The spree continued with another Interference with Commerce by Robbery on August 3, 2024, and further escalated into a deadly carjacking on August 6, 2024. Babitz is accused of not only stealing vehicles but causing the death of a victim during one of the carjackings. Additional charges include two counts of Carjacking (August 8 & 10, 2024) and multiple counts related to the use and brandishing of firearms during these crimes.
The most damning charges – Counts 6 and 7, Carjacking Resulting in Death and Using and Carrying a Firearm…Causing Death Through Use and Possession of a Firearm – carry the maximum penalty of death. Attorney General Bondi has authorized U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison to pursue capital punishment, a decision not taken lightly. The indictment also includes a charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, spanning the entire period of the alleged crimes (July 30 – August 10, 2024), suggesting a disregard for the law and a pattern of criminal behavior.
Federal investigators say Babitz allegedly wielded firearms throughout his alleged criminal activities, adding layers of severity to each charge. Specifically, Counts 2, 5, 7, 10, 11 and 12 all detail the use, carrying, and brandishing of firearms during the commission of these crimes. This isn’t just about robbery; it’s about a calculated escalation of violence, transforming simple theft into potentially lethal encounters.
The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with crucial assistance from the Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Las Cruces Police Departments. Special Agent in Charge Brendan Iber of the ATF’s Phoenix Field Division, alongside U.S. Attorney Ellison, made the announcement today. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Natasha Moghadam are tasked with prosecuting the case, a complex undertaking given the gravity of the charges and the potential outcome.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an allegation, and Babitz is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the decision to seek the death penalty signals the government’s strong belief in the evidence and the severity of the crimes. The trial promises to be a closely watched case, a grim reminder of the violence that continues to plague our communities. Grimy Times will continue to provide updates as this case unfolds.
RELATED: Babitz Faces Death Penalty in NM Crime Spree
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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