A New Mexico man has been accused of killing his cousin during an argument over how much heat the peppers in their enchiladas packed, according to police.
Ervin Gutierrez (22) was charged with last week’s fatal shooting of Nathaniel Cavazos (25), according to Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman.
Gutierrez and Mr Cavazos, whom local media identified as cousins, were at an apartment drinking and having dinner when they began arguing over how spicy the green chilli in their enchiladas was, Mr Bregman said.
Police said Gutierrez travelled from Roswell to the Copper Hills apartment complex in Albuquerque, a drive of more than three hours, to cook dinner with Mr Cavazos and his other cousin, Kamyl Serrano, according to local outlet KOB 4.
The argument started after Gutierrez claimed the green chillies in his enchiladas were hotter than the ones Mr Cavazos made for himself and another person, local outlet KOAT reported.
Police said Mr Serrano suggested taking the dogs on a walk to cool off, but Gutierrez and Mr Cavazos continued to argue and a physical fight began.
Mr Cavazos tried to walk away from the fight, but Gutierrez pulled out a gun and fired it at his cousin, according to authorities.
Gutierrez shot Mr Cavazos several times outside the apartment complex, DA Bregman said. The shooting happened around 11.30pm that night, KOB 4 reported.
Gutierrez, who reportedly turned himself in, was taken in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Centre on August 29, where he remains in custody.
He has been charged with one count of murder.