James Caleb Gonzales

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Today a judge sentenced an Albuquerque man to life plus 24 years for the 2024 deadly robbery of a 75-year-old resident.

On Tuesday, James Caleb Gonzales was sentenced after being convicted in November of first-degree felony murder, armed robbery, and related offenses in the death of Harry Velarde.

Gonzales went to Velarde’s apartment near Valencia Drive Southeast intending to rob him. During the robbery, Gonzales shot and killed Velarde.

After the shooting, Gonzales fled Albuquerque but was later arrested at Villanueva State Park.