Damian Amarillo, Second Degree Murder, New Mexico 2024

Dulce Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - Damian Amarillo, 21, a member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court to shooting and killing another man.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of June 5, 2024, Amarillo shot and killed a man in a neighborhood in Dulce, New Mexico, within the exterior boundaries of the Jicarilla Apache Nation. The shooting followed an earlier confrontation at Amarillo's residence. After the victim left the residence, Amarillo chased him through the neighborhood, assaulted him, and then shot him.

The victim died from his injuries at the scene. Witnesses observed multiple individuals fleeing after the gunshots. Amarillo pleaded guilty to second degree murder and remains in custody pending sentencing.

He faces up to life in prison. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office and the Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

Amarillo's guilty plea is a significant step forward in bringing justice to the victim's family and community. The defendant's actions were senseless and violent, and he now faces the consequences of his actions.

Damian Amarillo, Exact criminal charges: Second Degree Murder, City and state: Dulce, New Mexico, Exact date: June 5, 2024, Sentence or outcome: Remains in custody pending sentencing, faces up to life in prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/dulce-man-pleads-guilty-second-degree-murder