Second Teen Arrested in Deadly Albuquerque Gas Station Shooting

Jesus Avila Gonzalez, 17, charged with murder, conspiracy, and other counts in January incident

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Albuquerque Police have arrested a second teen, Jesus Avila Gonzalez, 17, in connection with a deadly shooting that left one 17-year-old dead and another injured in an Allsup's gas station parking lot in January. Gonzalez was charged with an open count of murder, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, aggravated battery, and shooting from a vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence involving young people in Albuquerque, which has seen a rise in youth-related crimes and shootings in recent years. The incident also raises questions about the role of social media in facilitating illegal gun deals between minors.

The details

According to police, Gonzalez and another 17-year-old suspect, Eduardo Huerta, arranged to sell a gun to the victims, Ethan Cruz and a female teen, through a social media app. After the exchange, Gonzalez and Huerta allegedly determined the $1,000 payment was fake and pursued the victims' vehicle, firing 23 gunshots that struck and killed Cruz and injured the female teen.

  • The shooting took place on January 20, 2026 at around 6:54 p.m.
  • Gonzalez was arrested on Monday night.

The players

Jesus Avila Gonzalez

A 17-year-old Albuquerque resident charged with an open count of murder, conspiracy, tampering with evidence, aggravated battery, and shooting from a vehicle in the deadly gas station shooting.

Eduardo Huerta

A 17-year-old Albuquerque resident who was previously arrested and charged in connection with the same shooting incident.

Ethan Cruz

A 17-year-old victim who was killed in the shooting.

Allsup's

The gas station chain where the shooting took place in the parking lot.

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What they’re saying

“Albuquerque Police have arrested a second teen following a shooting that left one teen dead and another injured in an Albuquerque Allsup's parking lot earlier this year.”

— Albuquerque Police Department (krqe.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow Gonzalez to be released on bail at a hearing on Friday.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for Albuquerque to address youth gun violence and illegal firearms sales, as well as the role social media may play in facilitating these dangerous activities among minors.