Santa Fe police on Tuesday arrested a second man in connection with an alleged gang-related killing earlier this week, and are searching for a third man.

Matthew Lujan, 18, was arrested about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and charged with conspiracy and tampering with evidence in connection with the killing of Pedro Maldonado, 18, who was shot in the neck Sunday night, said Capt. Gary Johnson. Detectives are searching for Francisco Montoya, 23, who has been charged with an open count of murder, conspiracy and tampering with evidence, he said.

A 16-year-old with a history of violence — John Villesange — was arrested Monday and charged with murder, conspiracy and tampering with evidence. Johnson said Wednesday that investigators are "fairly certain" Villesange fired the fatal shots. However, they believe Montoya also fired a gun during the fight, he said.

"We believe these three are the main players," Johnson said.

Detectives recovered one of the guns they believe were used in the killing during a search of Lujan's home Thursday night, Johnson said. Several shots were fired during the melee, he said. Maldonado was hit multiple times, according to a spokeswoman for the Office of the Medical Investigator.

Maldonado was shot about 10:30 p.m. in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 1800 block of Espinacitas Street. Johnson has said members of one gang was messing with members of another gang.

Villesange admitted to shooting a 15-year-old Santa Fe High School student in the hip at a bus stop near DeVargas Middle School in April 2006. He was also charged with aggravated battery and conspiracy in October 2006 and assault and battery on his probation officer in January.

Children's Court Judge Barbara Vigil decided Wednesday to keep Villesange in custody at the Santa Fe County youth jail.

Contact Jason Auslander at 986-3076 or :jauslander@sfnewmexican.com.