08-07-2025
New Mexico man arrested in deadly shooting stemming from domestic violence
HOBBS, N.M. -- Police arrested a 44-year-old man accused of shooting and killing a 42-year-old man who officials said intervened in a July 2 domestic violence situation.
Leroy Smith was booked July 3 into the Hobbs Detention Center on a count of murder in connection with the shooting death of Cruz Aguirre.
Smith's arrest stems from a Hobbs police investigation that began after officers responded to Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital, where Aguirre was taken for a gunshot wound and later died, according to a Hobbs police news release.
Investigators spoke with witnesses who reportedly said Smith and a 33-year-old woman were fighting near the 1000 block of West Roxana and Aguirre attempted to intervene.
However, Smith reportedly drew a firearm and shot Aguirre, the release states.
Witnesses said Smith forced the woman into a blue 2023 Nissan Rogue and drove away.
The next day, officers learned a license plate reader caught Smith's vehicle entering an intersection and officers caught him in the area and arrested him without incident, the release states.
Meanwhile, police officials are asking anyone with information about the case to call 575-397-9265 or 575-393-8005.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Hobbs man arrested in deadly shooting stemming from domestic violence
