Dona Ana Sheriff’s officials identify suspect in stabbing death
Doa Ana County Sheriff’s investigators have obtained an warrant for the arrest of a 19-year-old man who allegedly stabbed and killed 21-year-old Gilberto Wences on April 19, 2014.
Wences was on his way home after working a shift at a fast-food restaurant in Anthony, Texas.
Investigators are looking for Mario Soto, who they say was riding in a pickup truck with a group of men the night of April 19 when they saw Wences walking in an alley near the 1200 block of Church Street in Anthony, New Mexico.
Wences had reportedly clocked out at 10:58 p.m. after he got off work at McDonald’s in Anthony, Texas and was walking through the alley on his way home.
“Witnesses who were with Soto that night told investigators they had information that Wences had, at one time, threatened to fight one of the men in the truck,” according to the DASO news release. “The driver of the truck allegedly drove up next to Wences and asked if he was the one who wanted to fight him.”
According to witnesses in the truck, Wences said no and began to run. Investigators said the driver parked the truck and all the men inside the truck got out and allegedly chased after Wences.
Another witness in the truck told investigators Soto jumped on top of Wences and began to fight with him.
Witnesses at a nearby gathering told investigators they could hear screams coming from the alleyway at about 11:30 p.m.
Dona Ana sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene shortly before midnight and found Wences’s body with several stab wounds to his torso and upper left thigh.
Wences was pronounced dead at the scene.
A warrant for Soto’s arrest issued on Tuesday, charging him with first degree murder and ordering him to be held without bond.
Anyone with any information on Soto’s whereabouts is asked to call the Doa Ana County Sheriff’s Office, (575) 386-4302 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be sent via an anonymous text message to CRIMES (274637), keyword TIPS.
Calls to Crime Stoppers can be made 24 hours a day and you do not have to give your name to collect a reward.
