Man jailed on murder complaint

An argument during a graduation party apparently prompted one Tucumcari man to fatally shoot another in the middle of Quay Road 63 on Tucumcari's west side on Saturday night.

Tyje Garrett, 42, shot and killed Michael Arellano, 46, in the 4000 block of Quay Road 63 about 9 p.m. Saturday, according to a news release from New Mexico State Police and information from Quay County Sheriff Russell Shafer.

Arellano was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead by the Office of Medical Examiner.

Logan police about an hour later took Garrett into custody in Logan without incident. He was booked into the Quay County Detention Center in Tucumcari.

According to a corrections officer at the jail, Garrett was booked at 10:24 p.m. Saturday on a complaint of first-degree murder (willful or deliberate).

New Mexico State Police have taken over the investigation.

The agency stated in a news release that Arellano and Garrett were at a graduation party. Shafer said the gathering was at a residence at Quay Road 63.

"Sometime during the party, there was a verbal altercation between Arellano and Garrett," the NMSP news release stated. "Arellano left the party and was seen walking north on Cemetery Road. Garrett also left the party in his truck. Garrett drove past Arellano, then turned around and drove his truck towards Arellano.

"Garrett exited his truck and approached Arellano, after which a verbal altercation ensued. During the altercation, Garrett reportedly shot Arellano multiple times. Garrett then left the scene."

Shafer said alcohol was involved in the altercation and subsequent shooting, the latter which occurred 25 to 50 yards from the party. He said no one else was injured.

A court date for Garrett was pending. Courts were closed Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday.