Clovis, New Mexico – A 19-year-old man and his teenage friend are facing first-degree murder charges after investigators say they planned and carried out the shooting deaths of the teen’s father and stepmother in their Clovis home, motivated by an alleged plan to split inheritance money once the couple was killed.
Incident Overview
According to the Clovis Police Department, officers were dispatched early Monday morning to a residence on York Drive after a 911 call reported a possible burglary. When officers arrived, they were met by Darren Munoz, 19, who initially told police that everything inside the home was fine.
Authorities said Munoz resisted allowing officers inside, claiming his parents were asleep and did not want to be disturbed. After further questioning, police entered the home and discovered Oscar Steve Munoz, 58, and Dina Munoz, 71, both suffering from gunshot wounds to the head.
Dina Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene. Oscar Munoz was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Suspicious Behavior Raises Red Flags
During questioning, police said Darren Munoz gave inconsistent statements about the events of the night. He claimed he went to bed between 9 and 10 p.m. and woke up only after hearing the garage door alarm.
Investigators noted that Munoz said he heard the garage alarm but not the gunshots fired in the bedroom, which was reportedly closer to where he said he had been sleeping. Officers also found no signs of forced entry and reported that nothing appeared to be stolen from the home.
Police later determined that Munoz had allegedly lied about being the person who placed the 911 call and had “feigned confusion” when questioned about his actions.
Alleged Murder-for-Inheritance Plot
According to an arrest affidavit, police received a crucial tip from a mutual friend of Darren Munoz and his girlfriend. The friend told investigators that “a plan had been in place for weeks or months” to kill Munoz’s parents so Darren and his friend could take over their finances and belongings.
The friend reported seeing Darren Munoz with a firearm at another person’s home prior to the killings, which made the homeowner uncomfortable. Investigators also obtained security footage allegedly showing Munoz carrying a gun within hours of the shooting.
Police said Munoz believed his father owned an Allsup’s convenience store franchise, although a local television report later stated Oscar Munoz was a regional manager for the company.
Girlfriend and Text Messages Provide Key Evidence
Darren Munoz’s girlfriend also spoke with police and provided details of the alleged plan. She told investigators that Darren wanted his father’s money and that Julio Zamora, 18, agreed to kill the couple in exchange for a share of the inheritance once it became available.
According to her statement, the plan involved Zamora coming to the Munoz home, meeting Darren in the garage to obtain the gun, and then shooting Oscar and Dina Munoz while they were in bed.
Police said a review of Darren Munoz’s phone records uncovered alleged text messages and video exchanges between him and Zamora before and after the killings. After news of the double homicide became public, the girlfriend reportedly told a friend that “Darren had done it.”
Arrests and Charges
Police arrested Julio Zamora at his home later the same day. During a post-Miranda interview, Zamora allegedly admitted that Darren Munoz had asked him to kill his parents. Zamora was found in possession of a Glock handgun and reportedly told police it was the weapon used in the shootings.
Darren Munoz has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and criminal solicitation to commit murder. Zamora faces two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Both suspects are being held at the Curry County Jail without bond.
What Happens Next
Court records show that both Darren Munoz and Julio Zamora are scheduled to appear in court on December 22, where they will face formal proceedings related to the charges.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review digital evidence and witness statements connected to the case.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Share your thoughts or reactions in the comments below.
