On November 26, 2020, Thomas 'Derick' Velarde, a 58-year-old resident of Velarde, New Mexico, was fatally shot at the La Tiendita gas station on New Mexico State Road 68 in Alcalde. Responding to reports of a shooting around 11:30 a.m., New Mexico State Police officers arrived to find Velarde deceased with an apparent gunshot wound to the head.
At the scene, officers identified 53-year-old Timothy Lopez, also from Velarde, as the primary suspect.
Lopez, the owner of Wicked Kreations Winery, was taken into custody without incident and subsequently charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault.
Investigations revealed that the two men had a history of confrontations, reportedly over a personal dispute involving a woman. On the day of the incident, Lopez confronted Velarde at the gas station, leading to a fatal altercation. Witnesses recounted that Lopez approached Velarde's vehicle, drew a handgun, and challenged him to 'face him like a man.' A struggle ensued, culminating in Lopez shooting Velarde in the head. After the shooting, Lopez entered the gas station and instructed employees to call 911, admitting he had shot someone.
In October 2023, following a trial in Santa Fe, a jury found Lopez guilty of first-degree murder in Velarde's death. Family members of the victim expressed relief at the verdict, feeling that justice had been served after years of anguish. Subsequently, in December 2023, District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer sentenced Lopez to life in prison, noting that the mandatory sentence for first-degree murder would not be mitigated, especially given the jury's rejection of Lopez's self-defense claims.
The tragic incident not only ended the life of a beloved community member but also underscored the devastating impact of personal disputes escalating into violence. Velarde was remembered by family and friends as a humble, gentle, and caring man, known for his beautiful tile work and willingness to help others.
