A New Mexico man is in jail after a heated dispute at an auto parts store spiraled into deadly violence, leaving two employees dead.
According to the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Ismael Tena has been charged with two counts of first-degree open murder following a shooting at an O’Reilly Auto Parts in Albuquerque on Sunshine West Plaza Drive.
Investigators say Tena and his father went to the store on Sunday afternoon to exchange an oil filter and request additional motor oil after being given the wrong part. An argument broke out with staff, and Tena allegedly grabbed the oil he wanted and walked out.
Two employees—Richard Newman, 47, and Jesus Valdez, 18—followed him outside to confront him. At that point, authorities say Tena pulled out a gun and opened fire. Newman was pronounced dead at the scene, while Valdez died at a nearby hospital.
Tena later called 911, claiming he shot the men in self-defense because they were “shoving and punching” him. But investigators said there was no evidence of an attack—no injuries on Tena and no weapons found on the victims.
Deputies arrested him after pulling over his truck just a couple of miles away from the store.
At a detention hearing, prosecutors pointed to two previous incidents where Tena had been involved in gun-related situations and had even called 911 on himself. “Defendant is either the most unlucky person in the entire city or he’s bringing some of this upon himself,” one prosecutor argued.
Judge David Murphy agreed to keep Tena detained until trial, citing his pattern of impulsivity. “For introducing a gun into the situation and engaging in gun violence resulting in two deaths,” the judge said.
Meanwhile, Newman’s family is left grieving. “He was a hard worker, a provider. He did everything for us,” his son told KOAT. “He cared. He did anything for anyone that he possibly can do. That weight will forever weigh heavy on us.”
Tena remains behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center without bond as the case moves toward trial.
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