Prosecutors Say 19-Year-Old Orchestrated Parents’ Killings in Alleged Financial Scheme
A 19-year-old New Mexico man is accused of masterminding the murders of his father and stepmother in what prosecutors describe as a calculated plot to gain control of their money and property.
Darren Munoz, 19, was arrested Monday alongside 18-year-old Julio Zamora, whom investigators allege Munoz recruited to carry out the killings of Oscar Munoz, 58, and Dina Munoz, 71. The fatal shootings occurred inside the family’s home in Clovis, New Mexico, more than 200 miles east of Albuquerque.
According to an arrest affidavit, authorities believe the plan was premeditated and developed over weeks or months. Investigators say Munoz believed his father owned an Allsups convenience store franchise and targeted his parents in an effort to take control of their assets and finances.
Prosecutors allege the plan involved Zamora entering the home through the garage in the early morning hours and shooting both victims while they slept. Investigators also identified a second individual who was allegedly designated as a backup shooter if Zamora failed to follow through.
Police were dispatched to the residence around 4:50 a.m. on December 15 following a report of a possible burglary. Officers found Munoz standing near the open garage. According to police, Munoz attempted to prevent officers from entering the home, telling them there was no emergency and that his parents were asleep.
After officers were allowed inside, Munoz reportedly emerged from a bedroom with blood on his hands. Both Oscar and Dina Munoz had suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Dina Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene, while Oscar Munoz was transported to a hospital in Lubbock, Texas, where he later died.
Munoz told investigators he heard the garage door alarm but claimed he did not hear gunshots—an account police say was inconsistent with the home’s layout. Investigators also found no signs of forced entry or stolen property.
Further evidence included statements from Munoz’s girlfriend, who told police he had previously discussed trading an AR-style rifle for another firearm. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Munoz carrying a 9mm Glock handgun hours before the killings, and investigators confirmed Munoz, Zamora, and others had recently purchased 9mm ammunition together.
Zamora was arrested later outside his home, where police recovered a 9mm Glock handgun believed to have been used in the murders. Investigators say Zamora admitted Munoz asked him to kill his parents.
Darren Munoz faces two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and solicitation to commit first-degree murder. Julio Zamora is charged with two counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty as the case moves forward through the judicial system.
