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Source: BroBible
Summary
A 22-year-old man in Albuquerque, New Mexico, faces murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing his 25-year-old cousin during an argument over who had spicier green chile enchiladas. The dispute reportedly escalated after the cousin claimed the enchiladas were equally spicy. Police said the victim was shot multiple times in the back from about 10 feet away. Gutierrez turned himself in after the incident, according to reports.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name.
Spice levels become a matter of life or death.
Cousins turn into enemies over food.
Family ties are tested by chile heat.
Chili is the new trigger.
Author: Evan Null
Enchilada-Induced Violence
Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing his cousin, Nathaniel Cavazos, following an argument over whose green chile enchiladas were spicier. Gutierrez, 22, was reportedly charged with an open count of murder in the Aug. 27 killing of the 25-year-old Cavazos.
The Argument That Turned Deadly
Police responded to reports of gunfire around 11 p.m., and when they arrived at the scene Cavazos was already unresponsive on a walkway outside the complex, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Cavazos reportedly died at the scene. According to investigators, a man who claims to be cousins with both men stated that the group spent the afternoon drinking alcohol and cooking green chile enchiladas.
Spice Levels and Spilled Blood
While they were eating dinner, Gutierrez began to insist that the green chile, which is native to New Mexico, on his enchiladas was spicier than the chile on Cavazos’ plate. He then challenged Cavazos to try it. Cavazos, however, stated that all the enchiladas were made the same and were equally spicy. This seemed to set Gutierrez off.
The Fight That Went Too Far
The dispute between the two spilled out of the apartment building and escalated to the point where Cavazos punched Gutierrez, causing him to bleed. The fight died down and Cavazos began to walk away before Gutierrez allegedly drew a handgun and confronted him, shouting, “We’re family! We’re family! How could you do this to me?” before firing multiple rounds at Cavazos.
A Tragic End to a Spicy Dispute
Police state that Gutierrez shot the unarmed Cavazos in the back three to four times in the back from roughly 10 feet away. Cavazos did allegedly possess a handgun that was found near his body. However, witnesses report that he did not draw it during the altercation. According to the witness, Gutierrez sent him Snapchat messages the following day asking, “Is he really dead?” and claiming that Cavazos had previously threatened his life.
