ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. marshals worked with local authorities to arrest a suspect in a July murder at a smoke shop in southeast Albuquerque.

Authorities arrested Hezekiah Beltran on Thursday, near Mesilla and Trumbull. He was wanted for his alleged role in the deadly July 20, 2026, shooting of Dominic Hernandez, outside of the Smoke City Smoke Shop at Central Avenue and Indiana Street.

Investigators said Hernandez and the alleged shooter – Charles Richards – were arguing outside of the store about money that Hernandez owed to Richards. Then, Hernandez ran into the smoke shop, prompting Richards to allegedly gather a group of people to chase Hernandez out of the store.

Beltran was in that group, according to investigators. He’s accused of chasing Hernandez out of the store and onto the street before Richards shot him.

When the marshals found Beltran on Thursday, they said he barricaded himself inside his house. Then, authorities arrested him.

Beltran faced charges of murder and conspiracy, kidnapping and conspiracy, attempt to commit a felony (to wit robbery) and tampering with evidence.

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