In the early morning hours of June 20, 2026, the life of 22-year-old Eleno Cristobal Vicente Gallegos was tragically cut short in Clovis, New Mexico. Emergency services responded to a call at approximately 12:37 a.m. regarding a man who had been shot in the 1100 block of Main Street. There, they found Eleno in the roadway with a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported by ambulance to Plains Regional Medical Center, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Eleno, born on November 22, 2003, in Clovis, was known by his loved ones as a warm-hearted and hands-on individual who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. An employee at Cargill, he had a passion for video games, basketball, fishing, and music. He is survived by his mother, numerous siblings, and a large extended family.
The Clovis Police Department's Major Crimes Unit immediately launched a homicide investigation into Eleno's death. Their investigation led them to identify 26-year-old Tony Hamilton-Evans as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued for Hamilton-Evans on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. On June 23, 2026, Tony Hamilton-Evans was taken into custody without incident at the Clovis Police Department. The investigation also uncovered details about an altercation that occurred just moments before the fatal shooting.
Further investigation, including witness interviews and a review of video footage, revealed that 18-year-old Zyeir Williams had been involved in a fight with Eleno Gallegos prior to the homicide. During this physical altercation, a handgun brandished by Williams was used to strike Eleno, and the weapon broke apart. Based on this information, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Zyeir Williams on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a third-degree felony. On June 24, 2026, authorities located and arrested Williams in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he was awaiting extradition. The case against both men is now moving through the legal system. The investigation into the death of Eleno Cristobal Vicente Gallegos resulted in the swift identification and arrest of two suspects on serious charges, bringing the case into the purview of the criminal justice system for resolution.
