On a late spring morning in Hobbs, New Mexico, a series of events unfolded that would tragically end the life of 25-year-old Jiovanny Eloy Morales, a Hispanic male. On May 28, 2023, at approximately 10:34 a.m., police responded to reports of gunfire at the intersection of Broadway and Grimes Streets. Upon their arrival, they discovered Morales with a gunshot wound to the head.
He was rushed to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
At the time of the shooting, Morales was a passenger in a maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee. The driver of the Jeep told investigators that they were being pursued by a black Toyota Camry. As they neared the intersection of Broadway and Grimes, Morales instructed the driver to "get down" just before about four gunshots rang out. The investigation into the incident revealed a chaotic scene leading up to the fatal moment. Surveillance footage showed both the Jeep and the Camry driving recklessly through several intersections. At one point, at the intersection of Joe Harvey Boulevard and Grimes Street, Morales was seen exiting the Jeep and attempting to open the driver's side door of the Camry.
Further investigation identified a third vehicle involved, a red Chrysler PT Cruiser with Texas license plates, which was seen entering the area where witnesses reported hearing the gunshots. This vehicle was traced to 17-year-old Jose S. Briones Jr. of Seminole, Texas. On June 13, 2023, the Hobbs Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Briones, charging him with first-degree murder in connection with Morales' death. A search of the PT Cruiser, located at Briones' known address, uncovered a spent. 40 caliber casing on the front passenger floorboard.
In addition to Briones, an arrest warrant was also issued for 27-year-old Jose Muro of Hobbs, charging him with accessory to shooting at or from a motor vehicle, a second-degree felony. Authorities identified Muro as the driver of the vehicle that was following Morales.
