A 35-year-old man has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly fatally shooting his girlfriend’s ex-husband outside her home, where the victim was helping fix her car.
Eduardo Castaneda Jr. was taken into custody last week in connection with the killing of 45-year-old Antonio Gomez. Castaneda now faces charges including first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and three counts of child abuse, according to the New Mexico State Police.
The incident occurred at a residence on the 200 block of Espinoza Road in Ranchos De Taos, a community in Taos County, after deputies from the Taos County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting gunshots around 2:20 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Gomez lying outside the residence, unresponsive, with an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency responders immediately began life-saving efforts and transported him to a local hospital. Sadly, Gomez was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
A second victim, an adult female, identified as Gomez’s ex-wife sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm and was also taken to the hospital for treatment.
Investigators revealed that the deadly confrontation appeared to stem from an ongoing domestic violence conflict involving the female victim’s past and current relationships. The woman had reportedly picked up her ex-husband earlier that day so he could help repair her car.
According to an official police statement, “Agents later learned that the female, identified as Gomez’s ex-wife, picked Gomez up and brought him to her residence so he could assist with mechanical issues she was experiencing with her vehicle.”
The report continues: “The female’s new boyfriend, and suspect, Eduardo Castaneda, was at work when he attempted to contact the female. After not hearing back from the female, Castaneda went to the residence. When he arrived, an altercation ensued between Gomez and Castaneda. At some point during the altercation, Castaneda brandished a firearm and began firing at Gomez, striking Gomez and the female at least once.”
Officials also confirmed that the couple’s children were present during the violent incident, which added to the severity of the charges against Castaneda.
Court documents obtained by the Albuquerque Journal provided additional insight into the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Castaneda claimed that he acted in self-defense, alleging that Gomez attacked him first. He further stated that his girlfriend was unintentionally shot during his attempt to protect her and the children.
However, the woman shared a different version of events. She said that Castaneda became enraged upon learning that Gomez was at the house. “He better not be there,” Castaneda allegedly warned her. Moments before opening fire, he reportedly shouted, “Come get some,” and then discharged his weapon approximately a dozen times.
Following the shooting, Castaneda fled the scene, prompting an extensive manhunt. Law enforcement eventually located him at the Taos Ceramic Center on Este Es Road at around 10:30 p.m., where he was apprehended without resistance.
As of now, Eduardo Castaneda Jr. is being held without bond at the Taos County Detention Center. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 31, 2025, where he will face the full weight of the charges brought against him.
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