Albuquerque, New Mexico

From Albuquerque’s KQRE.com of September 4, 2006

Assault suspect shot dead

An Albuquerque man allegedly being beaten by four teen-agers picked up a pistol they dropped and killed one of his attackers, according to the Albuquerque Police Department.

Gabriel Contreras was questioned and released by police who said he apparently acted in self-defense. APD identified the dead man as Javier Torres.

Three teens ages 15 to 17, suspected of being Torres’ accomplices in the beating, were arrested and charged with kidnapping and aggravated battery.

Officers dispatched to 920 Continental SE shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday found a man shot in the chest and lying in the courtyard of the Warren Continental apartments.

Homicide detectives questioned numerous witnesses and pieced together a story of the four young men going to Contreras’ home intent on beating him up. When he refused to come out, they dragged him and his girlfriend into the courtyard and began beating him, witnesses told investigators.

During the altercation, one of the teens dropped a handgun which Contreras picked up and used to kill Torres. What police don’t yet know is why the four young men targeted Contreras in the first place.