28-Year-Old Criminal Shot Dead By Elderly Homeowner During Break-In And Attack

ESPANOLA, NEW MEXICO — In the early hours of Saturday, a 28-year-old man named Pablo Hinz from Hernandez was fatally shot by a homeowner during a burglary at a residence on Middle San Pedro Road in Española. The incident occurred around 4:20 a.m., prompting a call to the E-911 Dispatch Center by the homeowner’s wife. She reported that her husband had shot Hinz after he entered their garage, attacked them, and pushed her over. The names of the homeowners have not been disclosed.

Responding to the call, Española Police Department (EPD) officers arrived at the scene to investigate the reported burglary. According to a press release from the EPD, a struggle ensued between Hinz and the elderly homeowner, during which Hinz was shot at least once. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

EPD Chief Mizel Garcia noted that Hinz was already known to local law enforcement for his involvement in previous burglaries. His identity was initially withheld until his next of kin were notified on Monday.