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SANTA FE, N.M. – A man accused of shooting and killing an 83-year-old during a carjacking at a Santa Fe Best Buy has pleaded guilty and will serve life in federal prison under the terms of a plea agreement.
Federal prosecutors identified the defendant as Zachary Babitz and say the crimes took place in 2024. Authorities allege Babitz carried out a string of armed robberies and vehicle thefts across New Mexico before the incident in Santa Fe.
According to prosecutors, the victim, 83-year-old Gordon Wilson, was shot as his Jeep was taken from the Best Buy parking lot. The shooting prompted an immediate and wide-ranging investigation that led to Babitz’s arrest four days later in Las Cruces.
Before the plea was reached, the U.S. Attorney’s Office had indicated it would pursue the death penalty if the case went to trial and resulted in a guilty verdict. Instead, the parties agreed to a plea that includes a life sentence in federal prison.
The plea resolves federal charges stemming from the carjacking and related violent offenses across the state. Officials say the outcome ensures the defendant will remain behind bars for the remainder of his life and spares the community a lengthy capital trial.
Victim services and local law enforcement continue to work with the family affected by the loss, and the case remains a reminder of ongoing concerns about violent crime and public safety in parking areas and other public spaces.
