Guilty Plea in Fatal Santa Fe Carjacking: Man Gets Life in Prison for Murder of 83-Year-Old

POLICY WIRE — Santa Fe, USA — The man responsible for murdering an 83-year-old during a carjacking in a Best Buy parking lot has entered a guilty plea, resulting in a mandatory life sentence in federal prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Zachary Babitz accepted the plea agreement, ensuring he will be incarcerated for the remainder of his life. This development concludes a harrowing case that has deeply affected the Santa Fe community.

Details of the Fatal Encounter

The conviction stems from a 2024 incident in which Babitz fatally shot Gordon Wilson, 83, while forcefully taking his Jeep. The brutal crime was the culmination of a larger series of armed robberies and carjackings that Babitz perpetrated across New Mexico.

The violent attack on Wilson took place in the parking lot of a busy Best Buy store in Santa Fe. Following the murder, a manhunt was launched, leading to the capture of Babitz four days later in Las Cruces.

Plea Deal Averts Death Penalty Trial

The decision for Babitz to plead guilty represents a significant turn in the legal proceedings. Federal prosecutors had previously announced their intention to seek capital punishment if the case went to trial and resulted in a guilty verdict.

By accepting the plea deal, Zachary Babitz has avoided a potential death sentence. The agreement for a life term in federal prison was presented as the definitive resolution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.