New Mexico man allegedly beats another man to death using tree branch

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (TCD) -- A 50-year-old man was arrested after reportedly killing another man with a tree branch Monday night.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, officers responded to an alley near Vassar SE south of Central around 8:30 p.m., regarding a report of two men fighting. Upon arrival, authorities reportedly found a deceased man.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that a witness told police two men were fighting over a backpack, and then one proceeded to beat the other with a tree branch. The witness reportedly yelled at the suspect to stop, but he ran off with the backpack.

According to a complaint obtained by the Albuquerque Journal, the suspect, Keith Bird, of Santo Domingo Pueblo, called 911 admitting that he had “battered a male with a stick” and didn’t know whether or not the victim needed medical treatment.

Bird was taken into custody, and according to KRQE-TV, he told investigators that he arrived in Albuquerque Monday afternoon. He reportedly purchased alcohol and drank with friends near Central Avenue and Girard Boulevard.

Bird reportedly took two shots of liquor and walked to the bus stop across the street, where he got into an argument with one of his friends, Eli. According to the complaint obtained by the Albuquerque Journal, Bird said Eli “was in a bad mood and began to pick a fight” with him.

The two reportedly went to an alley behind a Panera Bread restaurant to fight. According to KRQE, Bird told police that he beat the other man with a tree branch and his fists. He continued to do so until he noticed people walking nearby, KRQE reports.

Bird was booked into the Metropolitan Detention Center and faces a murder charge. The victim’s full name has not yet been identified.

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