ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police are investigating a fatal stabbing they say happened Friday afternoon at the Golden Pride near UNM.

APD homicide detectives have arrested 37-year-old Ethan Sheppard and charged him for killing his coworker during a fight at the restaurant.

Police say both Sheppard and the victim, an adult male, were working Friday at Golden Pride.

Detectives determined that Sheppard pulled a knife from his pocket and entered a room at the restaurant where the victim was finishing his work. According to APD, surveillance video showed Sheppard appear to lunge at the victim and start a confrontation.

The restaurant manager reportedly heard Sheppard call the victim a snitch.

The manager told police he tried to separate Sheppard and the victim, and he saw the victim bleeding from the neck. The victim eventually fell to the floor.

Officers and rescue personnel arrived at the restaurant and transported the victim to the hospital, where he died as a result of his injuries.

Officers found Sheppard in his car across the street from Golden Pride. He was detained, but he declined to speak to homicide detectives. Police say he has been charged with an open count of murder.

Sheppard appeared in court January 31. He will remain behind bars as he awaits his trial.

Shannon Rainosek, the CEO of Golden Pride Restaurants, issued the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred recently at our Golden Pride location on Lomas in which one of our valued staff members lost their life in an incident involving another employee. Out of respect for the families involved and the ongoing investigation, we will not be providing further details about the incident at this time. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities as they conduct their investigation into this incident and we ask for understanding and respect for the privacy of all those affected by this tragedy.

The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority. We have taken immediate steps to support our team during this heartbreaking time. This includes providing access to counseling services, paying all wages and benefits to employees during the time the restaurant was temporarily closed, and ensuring that our workplace remains a safe environment for all our employees and customers.”