Ranchos De Taos, NM – On July 16, 2025, the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau was called to investigate a homicide at 236 Espinoza Road in Ranchos De Taos.

Agents learned that at approximately 2:20 p.m., the Taos County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 236 Espinoza Road for a shots-fired call. Upon arrival, deputies observed the victim, Antonio Gomez (45), lying on the ground, unresponsive, outside the residence with at least one apparent gunshot wound. A female was also on scene and sustained what appeared to be a gunshot wound to her arm. Officers began life-saving measures on Gomez until Emergency Medical Services arrived, however, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The female was transported to an area hospital to be treated for her injuries.
Agents later learned that the female, identified as Gomez’s ex-wife, picked Gomez up and brought him to her residence so he could assist with mechanical issues she was experiencing with her vehicle. The female’s new boyfriend, and suspect, Eduardo Castaneda (35), was at work when he attempted to contact the female.

After not hearing back from the female, Castaneda went to the residence. When he arrived, an altercation ensued between Gomez and Castaneda. At some point during the altercation, Castaneda brandished a firearm and began firing at Gomez, striking Gomez and the female at least once. Gomez and his ex-wife’s children were present at the home at the time of the shooting.

After the shooting, Castaneda fled the scene. After an extensive manhunt, Castaneda was located that evening at around 10:30 p.m. at the Taos Ceramic Center located at 114 Este Es Road, in Ranchos De Taos, where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Castaneda was booked into the Taos County Detention Center and charged with the following:

· Murder in the 1st Degree

· Aggravated battery

· Abuse of a child (3 Counts)

This incident remains under investigation by the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau.