Staff Reports
CIBOLA COUNTY — A husband and wife are now facing charges after they allegedly shot and killed a person in Candy Kitchen, N.M., on April 18.
The incident occurred between 11 am and 12 pm. The Cibola County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation into this incident. As of April 20, they haven’t reached the victim’s next of kin and were unable to release the victim’s name.
David Thomas Byington is facing charges of second degree murder, shooting from a motor vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, and tampering with evidence.
Tonia Sue Byington is facing charges of accessory to second degree murder and accessory to tampering with evidence.
The Cibola County Sheriff’s Office asked for the public’s help in finding the suspects via their Facebook page. They both reportedly turned themselves in on April 19.
The lead investigator on the case Deputy April Salazar said both the suspects and witnesses said the victim and David didn’t like each other.
“According to the community and according to statements [from the suspects], they did have some confrontations in the past,” Salazar said.
The incident reportedly occurred in someone else’s home. Salazar said that fact is playing an important role in her investigation.
Deputies later learned that another victim was reportedly shot at during the incident.
As of April 20, no court dates have been scheduled for either David or Tonia.
This is a developing story and more information will be published as it becomes available.
