Saturday, March 28, 2009

Alamo resident dead after stabbing

T.S. Last El Defensor Chieftain General Manager

A 29 year-old Alamo man is dead at the result of a stabbing that took place Wednesday, March 25, at a home in Riley in northern Socorro County.

Erby R. Apachito was dead when law enforcement officers arrived at the home Wednesday evening, according to Sgt. Kathleen Austin of the New Mexico State Police Investigation Bureau in Albuquerque.

Austin said at least one stab wound to the back was apparent, but results of an autopsy on Friday were not available as of Chieftain press time.

The knife used in the stabbing had been recovered, she said.

A suspect in the stabbing, Donald B. Bristow, 58, of Magdalena, has not been charged pending the outcome of the investigation, Austin said.

"He's claiming self defense and had obvious signs of self defense from being hit in the face with a guitar," Austin said.

According to the state police report, the two men and three other people had been drinking at the residence since about noon on Wednesday. An argument ensued between Apachito and Bristow that eventually led to the stabbing. The call came into state police about 6 p.m.

Austin said some of the witnesses' statements were conflicting.

"That's why (Bristow) hasn't been charged yet," she said. "There will be charges, but what they will be is still pending the investigation.

tslast@dchieftain.com

E-mail this story Printer-friendly version