SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The man accused of killing an 83-year-old man outside a Santa Fe Best Buy on Aug. 6 is now facing federal charges.
Zachary Babitz, 38, is charged with carjacking and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the federal criminal complaint, Babitz got into an altercation with Gordon Wilson in the store’s parking lot and shot him before stealing and leaving in Wilson’s vehicle. Babitz reportedly told a friend that Wilson tried to grab the gun, which prompted Babitz to shoot the victim. Babitz was arrested in Las Cruces on Aug. 10 after he was accused of robbing an Arby’s.
Babitz is also facing multiple other state charges including first-degree murder and armed robbery. The state filed a motion to keep Babitz in detention until his trial.
Officials said Babitz has an extensive criminal history and was released from prison in March.