Man arrested in Las Cruces after alleged series of crimes, now charged in federal court

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KVIA) – A New Mexico man accused of a series of crimes including multiple armed robberies, including a bank robbery, car theft and murder, is now charged with federal crimes in the death of a Santa Fe man.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on Friday announced charges against 38-year-old Zachary Babitz in connection with a fatal shooting and carjacking that occurred on August 6, 2024, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He appeared before a federal judge on Friday and will be held pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 20. He faces a possible life sentence based on the charges.

As KVIA previously reported, Babitz was arrested in Las Cruces on August 10 after allegedly committing an armed robbery at an Arby's restaurant on East Lohman Avenue.

According to court documents, on the morning of August 6, Babitz was observed in the parking lot of a Best Buy in Santa Fe approaching the shooting victim, 83-year-old Gordon Peter Wilson, and engaging in a physical altercation. Santa Fe police later responded to a call reporting a shooting in the parking lot and found Wilson with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Babitz was seen leaving the scene in the victim's Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was later reported stolen.

The New Mexico Adult Probation and Parole Office says that on August 1, Babitz turned off his electronic monitoring device and left a note for police on the door of his Edgewood, New Mexico, apartment. The note read: “This must be very clear to law enforcement. My wife had absolutely no idea what I was planning or was going to do. These were my decisions and I kept them secret from her. Signed today, 8-1-24, 10:55 a.m., Zachary Babitz.”

Federal officials say a 9mm firearm was recovered during Babitz's arrest in Las Cruces. Tests are currently being conducted to determine if that weapon was used in the Santa Fe incident.

Babitz has been convicted of multiple serious crimes, including armed robbery and auto theft. He was released from prison in March 2024.