COLORADO – News5 has learned Heith Gleason, the Huerfano County man accused of killing a single mother of four last month is back in Colorado following his extradition from New Mexico on first degree murder charges.
Gleason and his 12-year-old son were arrested in late December outside a McDonald’s in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Authorities tracked down the pair based on cell phone data obtained by Colorado law enforcement.
On December 20th, Amy Garcia’s body was found inside a burned out car just off of Silver Mountain Road near County Road 530 west of Walsenburg. Preliminary information indicates Garcia was shot before the car was set on fire. Investigators reported finding multiple bullet holes in driver’s side door along with shell casings nearby.
According to the arrest affidavit, Heith Gleason allegedly used a gun to threaten Garcia during an argument about getting more alcohol during a gathering at his home. A witness told investigators a gunshot was heard before Gleason walked back inside the house and said he did not kill Garcia. The witness says the son grabbed a .22 caliber rifle and went outside before more shots were heard, according to court documents.
The witness then told investigators that Heith Gleason stated his son had “just earned his man card”, according to the arrest affidavit.
The father and son are both charged with first-degree murder. At last check, the son was being held in a New Mexico youth detention facility awaiting a return to Colorado.
