ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – An Albuquerque man is facing life behind bars for killing a 75-year-old during a robbery last year. On Friday, a jury convicted James Gonzales of murdering Harry Velarde. Prosecutors said Gonzales and his girlfriend went to a southeast Albuquerque apartment in March 2024 to rob Velarde, a man whom the girlfriend had met days earlier. Velarde reportedly let the girlfriend stay at the apartment temporarily.

Gonzales shot Velarde, killing him, and fled with his girlfriend. The two were later arrested at Villanueva State Park.

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