Arrest photo of Zachary Ryan Babitz

A Santa Fe, N.M., murder suspect was arrested Saturday evening in Las Cruces but not before he and an accomplice allegedly committed an armed robbery at local fast-food restaurant and carjacked a Chevrolet Impala from a woman.

Zachary Ryan Babitz, 38, was booked in the Dona Ana County Detention Center where he is held on a warrant from Santa Fe that charges him with a felony count of murder, robbery, felon in possession of a firearm and parole violation.

Babitz still faces several felony charges for incidents that occurred in Las Cruces. Las Cruces police are still investigating the incidents that occurred locally.

Police have learned that Babitz was released from prison in March 2024 and has an extensive criminal history.

About 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, Las Cruces police learned of an armed robbery that occurred at Arby’s, 2341 E. Lohman Ave. Police learned a man and woman entered the restaurant where the man pointed a firearm at an employee and demanded money.

After leaving the restaurant, the couple allegedly forced a woman out of her vehicle at gunpoint at 2305 E. Lohman Ave. Shortly thereafter, the stolen vehicle crashed near Missouri Avenue and Triviz Drive.

Both suspects fled from the crash. Police located and detained Babitz nearby. His female accomplice has yet to be identified or located.

The woman whose car was stolen near Arby’s was not physically injured.

In Santa Fe, Babitz is wanted for the Aug. 6, 2024, fatal shooting of 83-year-old Gordon Peter Wilson. For specifics on the crimes Babitz is suspected of committing in Santa Fe, please contact the Santa Fe Police Department.

Police also learned the car Babitz and his female accomplice drove to the Arby’s restaurant was reported stolen out of Albuquerque. For more information on that incident, contact the Albuquerque Police Department.

A female accomplice of Babitz, whose name and age are unknown at this time, fled from the crash and has not yet been identified or located. She was last seen on the 2400 block of Missouri Avenue in Las Cruces, and it appears she cut her hair, a braid, to avoid being recognized.

Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the woman who was with Babitz is asked to call police at (575) 526-0795.

Water Outage on Sixth Street, Madero Road, and Parker Road
Las Cruces Utilities Program to Sign Three New Interns
Other news in News Releases, Public Safety
Dog With a Ball

Dog Park Rules Survey

The City of Las Cruces will be making changes to our Dog Park Rules. We would like your input. Take Survey
Poster submitted by Mesa Middle School student Jasmine Horvath

Veterans Day Parade

The Las Cruces Veterans Day Parade has been put on by volunteers since 1995 in support of local Veterans. Please come out and help show your support of our Veterans…
wallet with folded bills inside and change spilling out from it on a table.

Minimum Wage Notice for 2025

Pursuant to the Las Cruces Municipal Code (LCMC) the minimum wage will increase for Las Cruces, effective January 1, 2025.   According to LCMC, the Las Cruces minimum wage will…
Cactus and succulents

Lush and Lean Fall Workshops

The Lush and Lean program helps residents to make the best use of the limited water resources available by developing and maintaining gardens and landscapes that are also water-wise. The…
Golden colored shovels lined up in dirt for ceremonial groundbreaking

Peachtree Canyon Groundbreaking

You’re Invited! Please join us for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Peachtree Canyon Apartments, a 144-unit affordable housing development. Date: October 10, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM Location: Corner of Peachtree Hills…
kids at a table in halloween costumes at pumpkin palooza

Pumpkin Palooza

Pumpkin Palooza is back at the the Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center! Mark your calendars for 4 – 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024. For more information on Pumpkin…

Know Your City Seminar Series

The City of Las Cruces would like to invite all residents that are interested in learning more about the City to our “Know Your City Seminar Series”. It will run…

Art Stop Public Art Exhibit

The Art Bus Shelter art exhibit is looking for artists. Art could be featured at one of six Las Cruces bus shelters. Apply today. Art Stop Public Art Exhibit Applications
PCE Scrubbers at Griggs Walnut Superfund site.

Griggs Walnut Open House

Thank you to all who attended the Griggs Walnut Ground Water Plume Superfund Open House on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 153 N. Cottonwood St., near the intersection of Griggs…
University Avenue

University Avenue Corridor Study

Tell the City of Las Cruces what you would like University Avenue to look like. The City is conducting a corridor study for University Avenue from I-10 to I-25. Use…