EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A man is facing first-degree murder after he shot another man late Monday afternoon, Oct. 13, over an ex-girlfriend in Sunland Park, according to court documents obtained by KTSM 9 News.
Court documents state Edgar Perez, 41, is facing the charge after shooting and killing Jesus Alba De La Cruz at a residence in a Sunland Park neighborhood.
A witness who was living with Perez spoke to police after the shooting stated that De La Cruz was threatening Perez because he was dating De la Cruz’s ex-girlfriend, according to court documents.
The witness also told police that when Perez returned from the shooting, he was not acting the same and stated that De la Cruz “hit him,” according to court documents.
Court documents state at around 5 p.m. on Monday, an officer responded to the 100 block of Palma Drive regarding a victim who had a gunshot wound.
Upon arrival, a resident who lived in the neighborhood provided the officer with identification of Perez, who had seen him leave the scene in a vehicle, according to court documents.
A separate witness spoke to police and said that he had arrived at the bus stop at Mimbre and Ocotillo earlier that Monday and saw Perez, according to court documents.
Perez asked the witness where he was going and offered the witness a ride.
Once they arrived at the location, Perez told the witness to look who was at the residence, and then realized that Perez had a machete-like knife and was swinging it at De la Cruz, who was also at the residence.
Another person who lived at the home then told Perez and De la Cruz to “take it outside” and to “fight it out,” according to court documents.
Perez then went back to his car and retrieved a rifle. De la Cruz then swung at Perez, and Perez shot De la Cruz twice, according to court documents.
When the first officer arrived, he noticed two shell casings that belonged to a .223 caliber.
Video surveillance footage in the area showed the altercation and De la Cruz being shot. The footage also showed Perez fleeing the scene in a vehicle, according to court documents.
Perez was then placed into custody and declined to speak with police, according to court documents.
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