On August 29, 2022, Abner Antillon, a 35-year-old resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was fatally shot in a road rage incident that occurred in the south valley of Albuquerque. The incident took place in front of the home of Joseph Gonzales, 44, who is accused of the murder.
The events leading to Antillon's death began when Gonzales yelled at Antillon for allegedly speeding by his home on Val Verde Drive SW.
Antillon, upon hearing Gonzales, backed up and stopped his vehicle in front of the house. A verbal exchange ensued between the two men, which was captured on video surveillance footage obtained from a Bernalillo County Sheriff's records request. The video shows Gonzales and Antillon engaging in a heated argument, following which Gonzales shot Antillon several times in the back as Antillon was retreating to his vehicle.
According to the criminal complaint and video footage, after the initial verbal argument, Gonzales fired a warning shot, but then proceeded to fire additional rounds at Antillon as he was moving back towards his vehicle. The video footage clearly shows that Antillon did not possess any weapon and was shot while attempting to retreat. After the shooting, Gonzales was seen yelling at Antillon's body and then rummaging through Antillon's vehicle, a Scout. He subsequently drove his truck into his property and casually parked it in his yard.
Gonzales then called 911, reporting the incident and stating that he had shot someone who he believed was dead. The 911 calls, including those from Gonzales and two other witnesses who owned a security camera across the street, were later released. In his call, Gonzales claimed he was defending himself, although the video evidence and witness accounts contradict this claim.
Joseph Gonzales was arrested and booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center on August 29, 2022, for the first-degree murder of Abner Antillon. Gonzales has a significant criminal history, including charges dating back to 1999 for crimes such as criminal sexual penetration of a minor, aggravated battery against household members, false imprisonment, animal welfare violations, and criminal trespass.
It is also noteworthy that Joseph Gonzales is the older brother of Fabian Gonzales, who was found guilty in the high-profile case of Victoria Martens' murder. Joseph had testified during Fabian's trial just a month prior to the road rage incident, providing an alibi for his brother on the day of Victoria Martens' murder.
As of the current date, Joseph Gonzales remains charged with first-degree murder in connection with Abner Antillon's death. The case highlights the severe consequences of road rage and the importance of de-escalation in such confrontations. The trial and subsequent legal proceedings will determine the final outcome of Gonzales' charges.
