CLOVIS, NM— A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 23½ years for the fatal shooting of a roofer during a botched armed robbery in Clovis, according to court records.
Alex Zapata received the sentence following his conviction in connection with the July 9, 2023, killing of Anibal Ulloa-Salguero, a roofing worker who had just finished a job in the area.
Authorities say Ulloa-Salguero was sitting in a vehicle with a fellow worker in the 900 block of West Ninth Street after completing work for the day. The two were reportedly listening to music when they were approached by two masked men who demanded money.
When Ulloa-Salguero refused to comply, one of the suspects fired what was described as a “warning shot.” Ulloa-Salguero then exited the vehicle and attempted to confront the gunman.
Moments later, another shot was fired.
According to court documents, Ulloa-Salguero was struck in the face and collapsed at the scene. The two suspects fled immediately after the shooting.
Zapata was later identified and charged in connection with the incident. On February 27, he was convicted by a jury on multiple counts, including homicide, attempted armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
