On February 10, 2021, 47-year-old Mario Luis Delgado Jr. was found deceased in his Albuquerque, New Mexico, trailer. The Albuquerque Police Department later determined that his death resulted from a robbery that escalated into a fatal shooting.
Investigations revealed that Jeffrey Contreras, 27, and Samantha Shull, 34, orchestrated the robbery. Contreras, who was wanted by the U.S.
Marshals Service for a separate homicide in Roswell on February 5, 2021, had fled to Albuquerque with Shull. Shull, who knew Delgado from a previous relationship, contacted him on February 9, 2021, and arranged to meet at his trailer. On the morning of February 10, Shull visited Delgado, and shortly after, Contreras arrived, brandishing a firearm and demanding money. Delgado directed Contreras to his wallet, but Contreras shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene with Shull. The assailants used Delgado's bank card to make purchases at various Albuquerque stores.
Authorities apprehended Contreras in Roswell, where he was already incarcerated for the earlier homicide. Shull was arrested in Roswell after a brief pursuit by law enforcement. Both suspects faced charges including open count of murder, armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy. Contreras was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm. Shull was on probation for prior charges at the time of her arrest.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of a robbery that escalated into a fatal shooting, leading to the loss of Mario Luis Delgado Jr.'s life and the subsequent arrests of the individuals responsible.
