On April 1, 2023, Stephen Garcia was fatally shot during an altercation with his 83-year-old uncle, Melquaides Garcia, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The incident occurred inside a trailer they shared at 2901 Carlisle Blvd., N.E. Witnesses reported that the two men were arguing when Melquaides Garcia shot Stephen once with a revolver, resulting in Stephen's death.
Albuquerque Police Department homicide detectives arrested Melquaides Garcia and charged him with 2nd Degree Murder for the
shooting death of his nephew. Melquaides told investigators that his nephew had been physically abusive towards him in the past, with a recent incident resulting in his hospitalization following a fight. He also claimed that Stephen had been stealing items, including guns, from him.
On the day of the incident, Melquaides Garcia stated that he and Stephen had been drinking tequila when Stephen took a generator belonging to Melquaides. This action apparently prompted Melquaides to decide he 'was not going to take it anymore.' However, Melquaides claimed to have blacked out while sitting down to watch a basketball game and did not recall anything until he placed the handgun on a table and instructed his nephew's girlfriend to call 911. He later admitted to shooting Stephen once but could not explain how or when he retrieved the handgun from a shed before the shooting.
After consulting with the District Attorney's Office, detectives decided to charge Melquaides Garcia with 2nd Degree Murder. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Metro Detention Center. The case highlights a tragic family dispute that escalated to fatal violence, resulting in the death of Stephen Garcia and the arrest of his elderly uncle, Melquaides Garcia.
