infoNew Mexico man accused of using a sword to murder neighbor; tried to cut head off

New Mexico man accused of using a sword to murder neighbor; tried to cut head off

Authorities were called after 33-year-old Efren Valdez Gutierrez was heard yelling for help.

When officers arrived, they said they found Gutierrez dead in his apartment from a severe neck injury with a large sword laying nearby.

Witnesses told police that Quintana was seen wielding a large sword outside of the apartment complex shortly before the incident. A witness indicated Quintana appeared upset and was seen swinging the sword in the direction of her and Gutierrez.

Police said investigators believe Quintana later went into Gutierrez\u00e2\u0080\u0099s apartment and killed him.

Neighbors who called 911 told investigators that when Quintana left Gutierrez\u00e2\u0080\u0099s apartment he told them he \u00e2\u0080\u009chad to do it.\u00e2\u0080\u009d

Officers said they found Quintana and arrested him a short time later. A police affidavit indicated that Quintana later confessed to the killing, saying he wanted to cut Gutierrez\u00e2\u0080\u0099s head off.

Quintana was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center.