Tragic Incident in Albuquerque: Brother Accused of Fatal Shooting During Argument

Tragic Family Dispute Ends in Fatal Shooting in Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM – February 26, 2023

In a heartbreaking incident that has left the Albuquerque community in shock, Benjamin Chase, 55, has been charged with the fatal shooting of his brother, Adam Chess, 54, during a heated argument at their Northeast Albuquerque apartment.

Police responded to a distress call around 6:55 PM on February 26 at 2800 Palo Verde Drive NE, where they found Adam Chess lying in the parking lot, unresponsive. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Benjamin Chase, who reportedly admitted to firing the shot, was taken into custody shortly thereafter.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene leading up to the tragedy. A neighbor, who called 911, observed Benjamin removing a trash bag from the apartment and disposing of it in a nearby receptacle. An aunt living in the apartment recounted hearing the brothers argue earlier that evening, noting that Adam had charged at Benjamin, although she did not see any weapons involved. Moments later, she heard a loud bang and saw Benjamin placing a brown rifle into a laundry basket.

Investigators later obtained a search warrant, uncovering a .243-caliber rifle in the laundry basket and a spent shell casing in a trash bag near the driveway. The rifle, described as a bolt-action model, appeared to have been cycled, suggesting it had been recently fired.

During police questioning, Benjamin Chase expressed remorse and described his brother’s struggles with alcohol and confrontational behavior, stating, “It was slowly killing us all.” He recalled the moments leading up to the shooting as overwhelming but could not remember retrieving or loading the rifle. He also claimed not to remember disposing of the spent casing.

Chase has been charged with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence and is currently being held at the Metro Detention Center.

As the community grapples with this tragic event, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of domestic disputes and the urgent need for conflict resolution resources. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.