A tense family argument over enchiladas has allegedly led to the death of a man.
Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez has been charged with murder over the death of his cousin, Nathaniel Cavazos on August 27.
The 22-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 25-year-old Cavazos inside an Albuquerque, USA, apartment complex where they we making dinner together, as reported by NBC News.
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The pair were joined by another cousin as they bought groceries and returned to the apartment to make green enchiladas while drinking alcohol.
The third cousin, a witness to the alleged crime, told authorities that tensions started heating up while they were eating the meal they prepared.
Mr Gutierrez claimed his meal was spicier than that of Cavazos, and he challenged his cousin to try some food off his plate.
Cavazos said there was the same amount of chilli on all three plates, so there should be no difference.
As the arguments heated up, the third cousin suggested a walk to cool off.
Instead, the pair allegedly started fighting, and the witness said Cavazos punched Mr Gutierrez enough to make him bleed.
As the fight ended, Cavazos turned to walk away and Gutierrez allegedly pulled out a handgun, pointing it at his cousin and saying, “We’re family! We’re family! How could you do this to me?”.
From a distance of about 3 metres, Mr Gutierrez allegedly shot his unarmed cousin in the back three or four times before fleeing.
Police found Cavazos in a pool of blood on the walkway between apartment buildings around 11pm that night.
Mr Gutierrez was arrested on the evening of August 28 and is being held on an open count of murder.
The witness shared a Snapchat message from Gutierrez with investigators which said he had felt threatened by his cousin.
“Is he really dead?” he allegedly wrote.
“I did not want to kill him but I didn’t want him to kill me.”
A handgun belonging to Cavazos was located about 9 metres from his body, which was found in a pool of blood.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
