On a Friday afternoon in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the life of 43-year-old Tavis Kimbrough was tragically cut short in a burst of violence. On September 4, 2026, Kimbrough was at a bus stop in the downtown area, near 2nd Street and Marquette Avenue, when he was fatally shot. The incident unfolded quickly, leaving the community in shock and prompting an urgent manhunt for the person responsible for this brazen act of violence.
The investigation into Kimbrough's death immediately pointed to 36-year-old Juan Maestas as the primary suspect. Surveillance footage from the scene captured Maestas interacting with two men at the bus stop before an altercation occurred, culminating in Kimbrough falling to the ground. Witnesses reported that the assailant fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene. The Albuquerque Police Department swiftly launched a search for Maestas, who was also connected to other recent shootings in the city, escalating the urgency of his capture.
A critical breakthrough in the case came the following morning thanks to the sharp eyes and quick thinking of a city bus driver. The driver recognized Maestas, who was a passenger on his bus, and discreetly alerted the authorities. This crucial tip allowed law enforcement to track Maestas to the Central and Unser Transit Center. As officers approached, Maestas attempted to flee, leading to a foot chase. He was apprehended with the use of a less-lethal weapon. Maestas was subsequently charged with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of Tavis Kimbrough. As of the latest available information, the case is pending trial, and no conviction or sentencing details have been released. This overview encapsulates the events from the tragic death of Tavis Kimbrough to the arrest of the primary suspect, Juan Maestas, whose alleged actions left a lasting impact on the Albuquerque community.