by Clovis, New Mexico — A New Mexico teenager is facing multiple murder charges after investigators say he orchestrated a plan to have his father and stepmother killed so he could gain access to their money and property.
According to an arrest affidavit, 19-year-old Darren Munoz is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and criminal solicitation in connection with the deaths of his father, Oscar Munoz, 58, and stepmother, Dina Munoz, 71. Police say a second teen, Julio Zamora, 18, is also charged with two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty and are currently being held at the Curry County Adult Detention Center.
What Police Found at the Scene
Clovis police responded to a reported burglary at a residence just before 5 a.m. on Dec. 15. When officers arrived, they found the garage door open and encountered Darren Munoz outside the home.
According to the affidavit, Munoz initially told officers that everything was fine inside the house. When an officer said he needed to check on Munoz’s parents, Munoz allegedly tried to prevent entry, saying his parents were sleeping unclothed. Eventually, he led officers inside.
Police say Munoz entered his parents’ bedroom alone and returned moments later with blood on his hands.
Officers then entered the room and discovered both parents had been shot while in bed. Dina Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene. Oscar Munoz was still showing signs of life but later died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to investigators.
Alleged Lies and Inconsistencies
In interviews with police, Munoz allegedly gave conflicting statements about the night’s events, including whether he had called 911. Call logs later showed that Munoz himself placed the emergency call, reporting a burglary.
Investigators say Munoz also told police his parents had been out of town for the weekend celebrating their anniversary and that he stayed home alone. However, witnesses later reported seeing Munoz’s girlfriend at the home, contradicting his account.
Alleged Murder-for-Money Plot
According to the affidavit, police were contacted by an acquaintance who claimed there had been a plan in place for weeks or even months to kill Munoz’s parents.
The acquaintance told investigators that Munoz wanted to take control of his parents’ finances and belongings and believed killing them was the way to do it. The affidavit alleges Munoz planned to trade an AR-style rifle for a ghost gun or untraceable handgun to carry out the plot.
Munoz’s girlfriend later told police that he “wanted his father’s money” and that Zamora allegedly agreed to carry out the killings in exchange for payment once Munoz received the inheritance.
“The belief was that Oscar Munoz owned a convenience store franchise and that if he was dead, the money would go to Darren,” the affidavit states.
Digital Evidence and Surveillance Footage
Investigators executing a search warrant on Munoz’s phone reportedly found message exchanges between Munoz and Zamora discussing when the parents would return home.
According to the affidavit, Munoz told Zamora that his parents would notify him when they were on their way back — information he would then relay to Zamora.
Home security footage also allegedly shows Munoz placing a pistol into his waistband around 5 p.m. the evening before the killings.
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Police say the alleged plan involved Zamora entering through the garage and shooting the victims while they slept.
Arrest of Second Suspect
Zamora was later arrested while leaving his home. Police say he was found in possession of a ghost gun, consistent with details described in the affidavit.
Investigators allege the killings were financially motivated, writing that Munoz believed he would inherit a substantial amount of money if his parents were “out of the picture.”
What Happens Next
Both teens remain in custody as the case moves forward. Munoz is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 22, while Zamora’s hearing is set for Dec. 23.
Authorities have not released additional details about the alleged inheritance or whether other individuals could face charges.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on digital evidence, witness statements, and surveillance footage outlined in the affidavit.
What are your thoughts on this case and the role digital evidence now plays in major criminal investigations? Share your perspective in the comments below.
