Man shoots, kills neighbor in NW ABQ

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque police have identified the man who was shot and killed by his neighbor Tuesday night.

Investigators say 23-year old Jonathan Mitchell was running through the Ventana Ranch neighborhood with a loaded weapon when he shot at his neighbor Donnie Pearson.

Pearson shot back, killing Mitchell.

Police say another neighbor, Jose Beltran who lives behind Mitchell, arrived home Tuesday night and found Mitchell in his driveway brandishing a gun. 

Beltran drove away and called his family inside the house to warn them of the danger outside. When Beltran came back around, he told police that Mitchell took off yelling profanities.

By this time, detectives say that one of Beltran's family members called another neighbor, Pearson, to help out.

Pearson, along with his 15-year-old son, told police they found Mitchell running into what turned out to be the garage of Mitchell's home. They say Mitchell shot at them and that is when Pearson returned fire. 

Investigators say that's when Mitchell took off running again, this time over his backyard fence into Beltran's yard where he died.

Police say Pearson does have a conceal carry permit for a handgun.

"I think that in this case, Mr. Pearson felt that he had no other choice than to defend the life of himself, his life and his sons life when Mr. Mitchell opened fire on their vehicle," Officer Tasia Martinez said.

At this point, investigators say it is unclear why Jonathan Mitchell was walking through the neighborhood with a gun. A search of his online criminal records showed no prior arrests.

Police have decided not to arrest Pearson, but say the case will be turned over to the District Attorney's Office for review.