Dr. Thomas H. Kirby, a 72-year-old resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, tragically passed away on October 29, 2024. He was born on November 10, 1951, in Saint Louis, Missouri, and had a distinguished career as a radiation physicist and professor.
The circumstances surrounding Dr. Kirby's death are deeply troubling. On the evening of October 29, 2024, police responded to reports of a shooting at a home on the 5000 block of Larchmont Drive, near Tramway and Montgomery in northeast
Albuquerque. Upon arrival, officers found Dr. Kirby deceased at the scene.
In a shocking turn of events, Dr. Kirby's son, Christopher Kirby, aged 38, was arrested and charged in connection with his father's death. Christopher faces an open count of murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence. According to family members, Christopher reportedly suffered from mental illness and had become increasingly angry and delusional leading up to the incident.
The night of the shooting, Dr. Kirby had visited the home to speak with his son. Witnesses claim that Christopher initially pointed pepper spray at his father, demanding he put his hands up. When Dr. Kirby expressed his desire to talk and inquired if Christopher had a gun, Christopher allegedly drew a firearm and fired several shots, fatally wounding his father.
Following the shooting, Christopher Kirby reportedly fled the scene but later called 911 to report that he had shot his parents and that one of them might be dead. He provided his location to the dispatcher, which led to his swift apprehension by law enforcement.
This tragic event has left the community in shock, particularly given Dr. Kirby's esteemed background and contributions to the field of medical physics. He had worked at prestigious institutions such as the University of Texas at MD Anderson and the University of New Mexico, and was known for his expertise in radiation physics.
Dr. Kirby is survived by his wife, Lourdes Kirby, his daughter Alexandra Kirby Griego and her husband Matt, grandchildren Asher Kirby, Oliver Griego, and Kody Griego, as well as his brothers Donald and Michael Kirby, and sister Susan Young. The family and community mourn the loss of a brilliant mind, dedicated professional, and loving family man whose life was cut short in such a devastating manner.
