On the evening of March 18, 2025, 41-year-old Walfrido Lopezrequi-Laserie, a Hispanic male, was fatally shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 PM outside his residence on Rhode Island Street NE. Emergency responders found him with a gunshot wound to the chest, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Earlier that evening, Walfrido and a group of individuals went to the American Inn and Suites on Central Avenue NE to purchase drugs.
During the transaction, Walfrido became involved in a physical altercation with the dealer, known as 'Pitufo.' Juan Gonzalez, a 65-year-old male associate of Pitufo, intervened in the fight. After the altercation, Walfrido and his group left the motel and returned to his residence.
According to witness accounts, Gonzalez followed them to Walfrido's home, arriving in a red sedan. As Walfrido and his friends exited their vehicle, Gonzalez approached, called out Walfrido's name, and shot him once in the chest. He then pointed the firearm at two other individuals before fleeing the scene.
Gonzalez was arrested and charged with an open count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Court records indicate that Gonzalez has a history of criminal activity, including multiple charges for trafficking controlled substances and aggravated battery, many of which were dismissed due to lack of prosecution or unavailable witnesses.
The tragic death of Walfrido Lopezrequi-Laserie adds to the ongoing concerns about gun violence and drug-related crimes in Albuquerque. The investigation into the incident continues as authorities seek justice for the victim and his family.
