Roswell, NM – November 5, 2025 – A Roswell man, Miguel Angel Ramirez-Gallegos, has been charged with second-degree murder, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, and tampering with evidence in connection with the 2021 shooting death of David Gonzales, 18. The charges follow additional forensic testing conducted last month, which helped connect Ramirez-Gallegos to the shooting.
What Happened
The incident occurred on December 26, 2021, in the parking lot of the Saddle Creek Apartments on South Sunset Avenue in southwest Roswell. At around 6:15 p.m., Roswell Police Department (RPD) officers responded to a call about a shooting and found David Gonzales lying in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. Gonzales was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators soon discovered that an 18-year-old female, who arrived at a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to her wrist, was Ramirez-Gallegos’ girlfriend. The woman told investigators she had been in the front passenger seat of a vehicle driven by Ramirez-Gallegos during the shooting.
Details of the Shooting
The investigation revealed that Ramirez-Gallegos, who was 18 at the time of the shooting, fired multiple gunshots from the driver’s seat of the vehicle. At least some of the shots struck Gonzales, who was standing outside the passenger side door of the vehicle. One of those shots also struck Ramirez-Gallegos’ girlfriend in the wrist.
A gun found near Gonzales’ body was initially thought to be linked to the incident, but further investigation determined the weapon was not fired during the altercation. Evidence pointed to Ramirez-Gallegos as the only person who discharged a firearm that day. Authorities believe the incident may have been connected to drug-related criminal activity.
Charges and Arrest Warrant
The investigation, led by RPD Criminal Investigations Division, culminated in an arrest warrant being issued for Ramirez-Gallegos on October 31, 2025. Ramirez-Gallegos, currently in federal custody on unrelated criminal charges, is expected to face the murder charge once he is transferred.
The charges include:
- Second-degree murder
- Shooting at or from a motor vehicle
- Tampering with evidence (for disposing of the gun believed to be used in the crime)
Ongoing Investigation
The authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding David Gonzales’ death and are looking into whether the shooting was related to gang or drug activities in the area.
Closing
The tragic death of David Gonzales has left the Roswell community grieving, but the investigation has brought the case closer to resolution. Ramirez-Gallegos, currently in federal custody, faces serious charges in connection with the shooting.
This story may be updated with more information as the investigation progresses.
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