A family get-together ended in tragedy after an argument over green chile in enchiladas escalated into a fatal shooting in New Mexico. According to the Albuquerque Police Department, authorities arrested Ervin Joaquin Gutierrez, 22, in connection with the murder of his cousin Nathaniel Cavazos, 25, on August 27.

According to a police report obtained by NBC News, the suspect was visiting the victim and another cousin. The three bought groceries and were preparing dinner while drinking alcohol before the incident.

Official reports suggest that an argument erupted over the spice level of the green chile on their enchiladas. According to the third cousin who was present at the scene, Gutierrez complained that the chile on his portion of enchiladas was relatively hotter and repeatedly challenged Cavazos to try some from his plate.

Cavazos denied and said that they all ate the same enchiladas and there was no way Gutierrez’s food was spicier. They started arguing, and Cavazos ended up punching Gutierrez. The altercation soon escalated outside the apartment complex.

The witness further explained that Cavazos’ attacks left the suspect bleeding and began walking away. It wasn’t long before Gutierrez took out a handgun and shot multiple times in Cavazos’ direction. Cavazos was around 10 feet away from Gutierrez and did not have any weapon on him at the time. At least three or four shots were fired, and one bullet struck him in his back. The victim died at the scene, and Gutierrez fled the scene.

According to the witness, the suspect shouted, “We’re family! We’re family! How could you do this to me?” before pulling the trigger. A Snapchat message presented by them shows Gutierrez inquiring about the victim’s state and stating that he feared for his life.

“Is he really dead?” Gutierrez allegedly wrote in one text. “I did not want to kill him, but I didn’t want him to kill me,” he added.

Police responded to a shooting shortly before 11 p.m. Upon arriving, officers discovered the victim lying in a pool of blood on the walkway. They concluded that he had been shot at least one time and died from his injury. Gutierrez later surrendered to the authorities and now faces an open count of murder. He is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center after being arrested on Friday.

Disclaimer: The Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available within the public record.