A New Mexico man is facing murder and child abuse charges after allegedly shooting and killing his girlfriend’s ex-husband, who had come to her home to help repair her car.
Eduardo Castaneda Jr., 35, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and three counts of child abuse following the fatal shooting of Antonio Gomez, 45, according to the New Mexico State Police.
Deadly Confrontation Over Car Repairs
Authorities say the incident unfolded last week at a home on Espinoza Road in Ranchos De Taos. Taos County sheriff’s deputies responded to a shots-fired call around 2:20 p.m., and upon arrival, they found Gomez lying unresponsive outside the residence, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, Gomez died shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital.
Also injured at the scene was an adult woman—Gomez’s ex-wife and Castaneda’s current girlfriend—who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her arm. She was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Jealousy Turned Violent
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute involving the woman’s past and present relationships.
According to police, the woman had picked up Gomez earlier that day to help fix her car. Castaneda, who was at work at the time, became angry after not being able to reach her. He reportedly suspected Gomez might be at the house and, upon arriving, found him there. An argument broke out between the two men that quickly turned deadly.
“At some point during the altercation, Castaneda pulled a gun and opened fire,” police said. Gomez and the woman were both hit by gunfire. The woman’s children were inside the home during the shooting, authorities noted.
Suspect Claims Self-Defense
After his arrest, Castaneda claimed he was acting in self-defense, telling officers that Gomez had physically attacked him first. He said he only fired to protect himself, his girlfriend, and the children — and insisted her injury was unintentional.
However, according to the woman’s account, Castaneda had warned her earlier, saying “He better not be there,” when he learned Gomez was helping with the car. Just before the shooting, she said, Castaneda yelled “Come get some,” then fired at least 12 rounds.
Manhunt and Arrest
Following the shooting, Castaneda fled the scene, prompting what authorities described as an “extensive manhunt.” He was found later that night — around 10:30 p.m. — at the Taos Ceramic Center and taken into custody without incident.
Castaneda is currently being held without bond at the Taos County Detention Center. A court appearance is scheduled for July 31, 2025.
