SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: A chilling tale of violence emerged as a 42-year-old man, Mark Valencia, was found guilty of a double murder stemming from a vodka-and-beer-fueled argument over a botched haircut.
The shocking incident unfolded on December 11, 2021, at a residence located at 1 Camino Don Luis in Pecos, just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. The outcome of the trial has left the community in shock and prompted reflection on the destructive consequences of escalating disputes.
Mark Valencia convicted of killing Steven Singer and Eva Aragon
The heart-wrenching details of the incident were revealed in court, where Mark Valencia was convicted for the brutal murders of 40-year-old Steven Singer and 48-year-old Eva Aragon.
In addition to the double homicide charges, Valencia was also found guilty of attempting to murder homeowner David Sturgeon. The night that started with a seemingly trivial disagreement ended in a nightmarish tragedy that sent ripples of shock throughout the community.
David Sturgeon, who narrowly escaped being a victim himself, provided a chilling account of the events that unfolded that fateful night. Amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions, fueled by alcohol consumption, an argument erupted between Singer and Valencia.
What began as a disagreement over a haircut quickly escalated into a violent confrontation that would leave two individuals dead and one survivor grappling with the trauma.
David Sturgeon's chilling account of murders
As the horrifying scene played out, Sturgeon detailed how Valencia, under the influence of alcohol, declared his intention to retrieve a firearm.
“Mark said he was going to get his gun… He then returned to the front door of the home, which was open, and shot Steven at least one time in the face,” Sturgeon told police, per NBC Albuquerque affiliate KOB.
The violence escalated further when Aragon, attempting to check on Singer, fell victim to Valencia's firearm as well. “Mark stood over Ava and stated, ‘Is that what you want b—-?’ and shot Eva at least one time in the head,” Sturgeon said.
Investigators noted how "David stated Mark was no more than two feet away from Steve and Eva when he shot them. David Estimated Mark shot at least 8 times."
The ensuing chaos led Sturgeon to seek refuge in a closet, where he dialed 911 in a desperate plea for help. His harrowing call provided law enforcement with real-time information about the unfolding tragedy, allowing them to respond promptly to the scene.
Meanwhile, Valencia's actions took a more sinister turn as he attempted to breach the closet door, firing bullets through it in a terrifying attempt to eliminate any potential witnesses.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement encountered Valencia in an intoxicated and bloodied state. He was found in the driver's seat of a van parked in the driveway, where he was subsequently apprehended.
The arrest marked the end of a nightmarish chain of events that left two lives tragically cut short and one survivor grappling with the haunting memories of that fatal night.
Mark Valencia's motive for killings
Valencia's motives were illuminated through his statements to the police. He admitted that all present at the scene had been drinking that night, setting the stage for heightened tensions.
The argument with Singer had originated from a perceived dissatisfaction with his haircut - "Steven only cut half his hair," as revealed by official documents. Throughout the course of the night, Singer and Valencia engaged in verbal provocations, further stoking the flames of animosity.
A pivotal moment in the tragic sequence of events occurred when Valencia expressed fear for his life due to Singer's physical stature in comparison to his own. This apprehension led him to retrieve a firearm from his car.
While he briefly considered leaving the premises, he ultimately returned to the front door armed, with a chilling admission of intent - "Mark stated he intended to shoot Steven, ‘but Eva got in the way,'" according to the affidavit.
In a moment that highlights the complexity of human decision-making, investigators questioned why Valencia did not choose to leave when he retreated to his car. His response, as reported by Albuquerque’s KRQE, was a haunting admission: “I thought about it. I probably could have."
Mark Valencia found guilty
Valencia's defense team sought to attribute a portion of his culpability to the influence of alcohol. The argument was made that his impaired judgment hindered his capacity to make rational decisions, thereby diminishing his responsibility for the heinous crimes committed.
Despite this defense, the court found him guilty of the charges, and he is currently in custody at the San Miguel Detention Center.
The sentencing for these brutal murders has yet to be determined, leaving the community awaiting justice for the lives lost. As the legal process unfolds, the memory of Steven Singer and Eva Aragon lives on in the hearts of their loved ones and the community at large.
Eva Aragon's obituary described her as a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, with a zest for life that radiated through her love for the outdoors, fishing, camping, and bringing joy to those around her.
