An Albuquerque man accused of killing two employees at an auto parts store appeared before a judge this week, as prosecutors moved forward with a request to keep him behind bars until trial.
Deadly Confrontation at O’Reilly Auto Parts
On Sunday evening, deputies with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) were dispatched to the O’Reilly Auto Parts location near Coors Boulevard and Blake Road after reports of gunfire. When deputies arrived just after 5 p.m., they discovered a disturbing scene.
In the parking lot, the body of 47-year-old Richard Newman was found lifeless. Inside the store, 18-year-old employee Jesus Valdez had been shot and was critically injured. Emergency responders rushed Valdez to a local hospital, but he died from his injuries while en route.
The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Ismael Tena, was taken into custody shortly afterward.
Suspect’s Self-Defense Claim
During questioning, Tena insisted that he acted in self-defense during a confrontation with the employees. However, investigators with BCSO said that both physical evidence and witness statements contradicted his account. According to deputies, the conflict escalated when Tena retrieved a firearm from his truck and returned to the store armed, rather than attempting to walk away or de-escalate the situation.
Prosecutors argue that this decision to arm himself and reengage turned a verbal dispute into a deadly encounter, ultimately costing two men their lives.
First Court Appearance
On Tuesday, Tena made his first court appearance. He is charged with two counts of open murder in connection with the deaths of Newman and Valdez. The state also filed a motion for pretrial detention, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns for public safety.
Also Read – Fusion Facility Project Moves Forward with Albuquerque City Council Approval
At this stage, the judge has not set a date for the detention hearing, which will determine whether Tena remains in custody until trial or is released under certain conditions.
Victims Identified
Authorities have identified the two victims as employees of the O’Reilly Auto Parts store.
Richard Newman, 47, was described by colleagues and community members as a hardworking and dedicated employee who had been with the company for several years. He was found dead in the parking lot after the confrontation spilled outside.
Jesus Valdez, just 18 years old, had recently joined the workforce. Friends and family say he was eager to build a future for himself and was known for his optimism and strong work ethic. His death has left loved ones stunned and grieving.
Prosecutors Push for Detention
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office is pressing for Tena to remain jailed as the case proceeds. Prosecutors argue that the facts of the incident demonstrate that he poses a threat to the community if released.
“By choosing to go to his vehicle, retrieve a firearm, and then reengage, the defendant escalated the situation into a lethal one,” prosecutors said in court filings. “This shows not only dangerous judgment but also a willingness to use deadly force when unnecessary.”
Community Impact
The deadly shooting has shaken the South Valley neighborhood, where residents are now grappling with the tragedy. Many expressed concern over increasing violence in the city and frustration that a routine day at work could turn fatal for two people simply doing their jobs.
The store has remained closed as employees and management cope with the loss. Crisis support teams have been made available to staff.
Next Steps in the Case
As the investigation continues, detectives are reviewing surveillance video, physical evidence, and statements from witnesses who were present at the time of the shooting. The detention hearing, once scheduled, will provide a clearer picture of the state’s case against Tena and whether the court believes he should remain in custody.
If convicted, Tena could face significant prison time. New Mexico law allows for life sentences in open murder cases, with the severity depending on the circumstances and findings of the court.
Also Read – Mother in Albuquerque Faces Child Endangerment Charges in Fentanyl Case
A Tragic Reminder
The deadly events at O’Reilly Auto Parts highlight the devastating consequences of gun violence and escalation. For the families of Richard Newman and Jesus Valdez, the tragedy has left an irreplaceable void.
As one neighbor put it after learning about the shooting, “They went to work on Sunday, just like any other day, and never came home. It’s heartbreaking.”
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as investigators work to piece together exactly what led up to the deadly confrontation.
