Vincent "Vin" Matthew Buscema Jr. was a 39-year-old Hispanic man from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, known as a cherished husband, father, and community member. He worked in the film industry as a proud member of the IATSE 480 Union and was a co-owner and instructor at One Jiu Jitsu in Rio Rancho. Friends and family remembered him as a man with a big heart who would always be there for anyone in trouble.
He and his wife, Melissa, were raising their two sons, Salvador and Isaac.
On June 9, 2024, a violent confrontation unfolded at the Buscema family home on Aspen Meadows Drive. The incident allegedly began when Vincent's father, 59-year-old Vincent Buscema Sr., sent threatening text messages to his son. One message reportedly read, “I’ll come. You’re not running your mouth now, big boy. I’m looking for you.” Authorities say Buscema Sr. then went to his son's home, where he was seen yelling and firing a gun.
During the incident, both Vincent Jr. and his wife, Melissa, were shot. Their two young sons were inside the house at the time. Vincent Jr. suffered severe gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach and was rushed to UNM Hospital. He fought for his life for nearly a month but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on July 8, 2024. Melissa survived her injuries and was released from the hospital.
Police arrested Vincent Buscema Sr. on the day of the shooting. He initially faced multiple charges, including first-degree attempted murder, aggravated battery, tampering with evidence, and child abuse. The child abuse charges were related to the presence of the two children during the shooting.
Following his son's death, the charge against Vincent Buscema Sr. was upgraded from attempted murder to first-degree murder, a crime that carries a potential sentence of life in prison. As of July 2024, the case against him was proceeding through the legal system.
