Man Accused of Killing Brother in Northeast Albuquerque Apartment

Police say neighbor witnessed Benjamin Chess admit to shooting his sibling Adam

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A man has been arrested and accused of killing his brother in a shooting incident at an apartment near Tramway Boulevard and Candelaria Road in northeast Albuquerque on Thursday night. A neighbor called 911 after witnessing the suspect, Benjamin Chess, leave the apartment and admit to shooting his brother Adam. The neighbor also reported seeing Benjamin discard a bullet casing, and an aunt of the siblings said the brothers had a history of fighting.

Why it matters

Violent crimes within families are always tragic, and this case raises questions about the underlying dynamics and potential warning signs that may have preceded the alleged killing. The incident also highlights the important role that alert neighbors can play in reporting suspicious activity to authorities.

The details

According to police, a neighbor called 911 after seeing Benjamin Chess leave the apartment and admit to shooting his brother Adam. The neighbor also informed police that they witnessed Benjamin discard a bullet casing. An aunt of the siblings told investigators that the brothers had a history of fighting. Benjamin Chess is currently booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday night near Tramway Boulevard and Candelaria Road in northeast Albuquerque.
  • A neighbor called 911 after witnessing the events unfold.

The players

Benjamin Chess

The suspect who is accused of killing his brother Adam.

Adam Chess

The victim, who was allegedly killed by his brother Benjamin.

Neighbor

A witness who called 911 after seeing Benjamin leave the apartment and admit to the shooting.

Aunt

A relative of the brothers who told police the siblings had a history of fighting.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Benjamin Chess out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for better understanding and intervention when it comes to domestic violence and conflicts within families, in order to prevent such devastating outcomes.