Clovis, NM – Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray announced today that Alex Zapata was found guilty by a Curry County Jury for Felony Murder, Attempted Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
On July 9, 2023, Clovis Police Officers were dispatched to 9th and Davis in reference to an individual who had been shot. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Anival Salguero lying on the concrete between two vehicles. He was pronounced deceased on the scene with a bullet wound to the neck that traveled down and punctured a lung and lodged in his back. During the investigation, it was determined that several out-of-town roofers had been paid in cash. The defendant attempted to rob the victim of his money. Special Prosecutor Brett Carter presented testimony from two Spanish-speaking-only roofers who identified tattoos and other facial features of Alex Zapata, the suspect in the case. ADA, Anthony Jaimes showed the Jury numerous downloads from the defendant’s phone and two witnesses who identified Zapata as planning and trying to rob the roofer.
Defense Attorney, Gary Mitchell of Ruidoso, represented the Defendant and claimed the Defendant was not present when the shooting occurred. In addition to the Defendant testifying, the defense called one other witness to try to establish an alibi for the defendant. The Special Prosecutor showed the jury a Facebook message conversation between the witness and the Defendant, which proved the alibi was false. The five-day trial ended Friday afternoon.
The Defendant faces a sentence of life in prison with no possibility of parole until 30 years have been served on the murder charge. In addition to another possible 20 years on the other charges. The Defendant, who is currently serving an eight-year sentence on drug charges, picked up while awaiting trial on the murder charge. The Defendant is a habitual offender with at least 4 separate prior felony convictions and two involving violent crimes. The Honorable Judge Cross deferred sentencing until a later date. Co-Defendant Courtney Cooper pled guilty last month for his role in the robbery and received a 21-year prison sentence and won’t be eligible for parole until at least 18 ½ years are served.
DA Quentin Ray commended the Clovis Police Department, Major Crimes Unit and his prosecution team for their thorough investigation and skillful presentation of the case, noting their dedication to seeking justice for the victim and his family.