Albuquerque Man Shoots Cousin Dead Over Enchilada Spice Dispute

Ervin Gutierrez, 22, is charged with murder after fatally shooting his cousin Nathaniel Cavazos following a dinner argument over the heat of enchiladas.

Dinner Dispute Over Spicy Chiles Ends in Fatal Shooting in Albuquerque

A 22-year-old Albuquerque man shot and killed his cousin during a family dinner after an argument over how spicy the enchiladas were, according to Law & Crime.

Ervin Gutierrez has been charged with an open count of murder in the death of 25-year-old Nathaniel Cavazos, the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office announced. Gutierrez is being held without bond at the Albuquerque Metropolitan Detention Center.

On the night of Aug. 28, Gutierrez drove to the Copper Hills Apartments on Spanish Bit Street Northeast — on the eastern side of Albuquerque — to have dinner with Cavazos and another cousin. The men had been drinking when the argument began, authorities said.

Gutierrez reportedly complained that the chiles inside the enchiladas were too hot, according to local NBC affiliate KOB. The dispute escalated into a physical altercation between the two men. A third cousin present suggested they take their dogs for a walk to defuse the situation, but the confrontation continued.

Cavazos attempted to walk away from the fight, the Albuquerque Police Department said. Gutierrez then allegedly drew a firearm and shot him multiple times. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but Cavazos was pronounced dead there.

Gutierrez turned himself in to police. He was booked into jail on Aug. 29 and will remain in custody pending trial. A date for his next court appearance has not been announced.

Source: Law & Crime