N.M. teen accused of punching, choking, and kicking father to death during dispute

ROSWELL, N.M. (TCD) -- Police are searching for a 19-year-old man who allegedly beat his 44-year-old father to death during a dispute in August.

According to a news release from the Roswell Police Department, on Aug. 27 at approximately 3:40 a.m., officers were called to a home in the 1200 block of West 13th Street, where they found the victim, Mario Gonzalez. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

Upon further investigation, police learned the victim and his son, Ivan Gonzalez, were drinking in a pickup truck outside the home and began arguing about "various things." Ivan Gonzalez became angry and allegedly punched his father, who then started walking back toward the residence. Ivan Gonzalez followed his father and reportedly choked him. Inside the house, he allegedly punched his father again and kicked him.

Ivan Gonzalez was initially arrested on a charge of battery against a household member and was released on his own recognizance the next day.

According to police, on Oct. 3, the medical examiner ruled Mario Gonzalez’s death a homicide due to blunt force injuries. They also noted that his existing medical conditions contributed to his death, and he sustained multiple internal injuries.

Police said Ivan Gonzalez was not immediately charged with murder because investigators were waiting for the full autopsy results.

On Friday, Oct. 13, Gonzalez was charged with second-degree murder, and officials obtained a warrant for his arrest. Police are continuing to search for Gonzalez to take him into custody.

MORE:

• News Release - Roswell Police Department