On September 20, 2019, a tragic incident occurred outside a Papa John's restaurant located near the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Leo Jaquez, a 33-year-old man from El Paso, Texas, lost his life in an act of bravery as he attempted to intervene in a violent altercation.
The events unfolded when Jaquez, who was eating dinner at the Papa John's, witnessed a man and a woman arguing.
The man, later identified as 17-year-old Donovin Santiago, grabbed the woman and pulled her outside. Jaquez, seeing the woman being thrown and beaten, decided to intervene. He approached Santiago to ask what was wrong and to calm him down. However, Santiago's response was violent; he shot Jaquez in the chest, and Jaquez died instantly.
Donovin Santiago, the suspect, was described as a 17-year-old at the time of the incident. He was under the influence of methamphetamine for several days leading up to the shooting, according to police interviews with his relatives. After shooting Jaquez, Santiago fled the scene, leaving behind evidence that would later aid in his capture. Surveillance video showed Santiago dropping a plastic bag with white objects at the scene and then picking it up, but he left behind what appeared to be a white pillow. Additionally, his girlfriend had left prescription drugs at the scene, which helped police track him down.
Santiago and his girlfriend were planning to leave town, possibly to Colorado, but he was apprehended by the Albuquerque police on Tuesday, September 23, 2019. He was charged with murder and tampering with evidence. The investigation revealed that Santiago's aggressive behavior towards his girlfriend was the catalyst for Jaquez's intervention, which ultimately led to the fatal shooting.
In the aftermath of the incident, Jaquez's family, who were from El Paso, expressed their grief and shock. Jaquez was remembered as a man who moved to Albuquerque to better his career and was known for his selfless actions. He left behind four children: two sons and two daughters. A fundraiser was organized to help his family with expenses, highlighting the community's support for the grieving family.
Donovin Santiago later pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. During his sentencing, it was discussed that Santiago was under the influence of drugs on the night of the incident. Judge Jennifer Wernersbach sentenced Santiago to 15 years in prison, with four years suspended. The sentencing brought some closure to Jaquez's family, who had been seeking justice for their loved one's tragic death.
