Danny Casalenuovo, a 59-year-old resident of Kirtland, New Mexico, died on March 5, 2023, in a shooting incident at a home on County Road 6264. Casalenuovo had been renting a room from Gary Richard Durham, an 81-year-old man, when the tragic event occurred.
The incident began when Gary Lee Durham, the 59-year-old son of Gary Richard Durham, removed Casalenuovo's bedroom door, leading to an argument between the two men.
The situation escalated, resulting in Gary Lee Durham using a shotgun to shoot and kill Casalenuovo.
Following the shooting, both Gary Lee Durham and his father, Gary Richard Durham, were arrested in connection with Casalenuovo's death. Gary Lee Durham was initially charged with first-degree murder. His father, Gary Richard Durham, faced charges of tampering with evidence and conspiracy related to the crime.
As the legal process unfolded, Gary Lee Durham entered a plea agreement. He admitted there was sufficient evidence to prosecute him for second-degree murder and tampering with evidence, rather than the initial first-degree murder charge. As part of this plea agreement, the charges against Gary Richard Durham were dropped.
The New Mexico State Police investigated the homicide, which was characterized as stemming from an argument between a landlord and his tenant. This tragic incident contributed to an increase in homicide rates in San Juan County, marking one of four homicides in the unincorporated areas of the county since March 20, 2023.
