Zachary Babitz has pleaded guilty on April 17 to a series of armed robberies and carjackings that took place across New Mexico in 2024, including a fatal shooting during a carjacking in Santa Fe County.
The case is significant due to the violent nature of the crimes committed over multiple counties within a short period. The plea agreement calls for a life sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses.
According to court documents, between July 30 and August 10, 2024, Babitz carried out several armed robberies and carjackings in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Doña Ana counties. The incidents began when Babitz entered an AutoZone store in Albuquerque with a handgun on July 30 and stole approximately $345. The following day he robbed a Wells Fargo bank by presenting a demand note while indicating he was armed, obtaining about $3,300. On August 3 he robbed Jersey Mike’s restaurant at gunpoint before forcing an employee to open a safe for more money.
On August 6 in Santa Fe County, Babitz confronted another victim with a firearm during a carjacking and shot him fatally. He continued his activities after the homicide: On August 9 he committed another carjacking in Bernalillo County; then on August 10 in Las Cruces he robbed an Arby’s restaurant at gunpoint with an accomplice before participating later that day in another armed carjacking.
Babitz pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges including interference with commerce by robbery; bank robbery; several counts related to using firearms during violent crimes; felon in possession of firearm; as well as aiding and abetting certain offenses. Under the plea agreement both parties agreed that life imprisonment is appropriate.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison said along with Sarah Mauricio—Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—that they were making this announcement together today. The Bureau investigated this case alongside support from local police departments and federal agencies.
