Tucumcari man charged with murder

A Tucumcari man has been arrested and charged with murder following a homicide investigation Tuesday by New Mexico State Police in Tucumcari.

Christopher Bamberg, 46, is charged with one count of murder following his arrest in connection to a fatal shooting of Justin Hoth in the 400 block of North College Street in Tucumcari.

Hoth and a female lived in their recreational vehicle on his property for the last two months, according to a release from Carl Christiansen, NMSP spokesman.

State police took over the investigation, said Lt. Herbert Hinders.

According to the affidavit for arrest:

• On Tuesday morning, Bamberg said he was awakened by a tenant living on his property and informed his parrot had been attacked by a neighbor's dog.

• Bamberg said he confronted the dog owner then went to confront Hoth about leaving the front gate open.

• Bamberg said after the confrontation, Hoth exited the RV with a metal object in his hand. He said he went into his residence, grabbed his shotgun, exited the house and after a confrontation shot Hoth.

“I was drinking my coffee outside when I heard a gunshot, then I heard a second gun shot and a woman screaming,” said Pablo Benavidez, a neighbor.

Hinders said at 8:20 a.m., officers of the Tucumcari Police Department responded to the initial call at a residence on the 400 block of North College Street. He said the responding officers located one deceased individual at the residence.

Neighbors were questioned by NMSP officers and three individuals were spotted being taken from the scene by law enforcement officials. Hinders would not comment on why the individuals were taken from the scene.

Bamberg is being held at the Quay County Detention Center with no bond.