On a late February evening in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a popular hiking trail's tranquility was shattered by a single gunshot. Marvin Riley, a 37-year-old Black / African American man, had driven to the Embudo Trailhead on February 29, 2024, to watch the sunset from the comfort of his car. As dusk settled over the parking lot, his peaceful moment was interrupted by the approach of another man. An argument broke out between Riley and the individual, escalating quickly and violently.
The man produced a firearm and fired a single shot, striking Riley.
Witnesses at the scene saw the shooter flee in a green SUV. Riley collapsed from his injury and died at the trailhead. The Albuquerque Police Department was dispatched to the location at 13921 Indian School Rd. N.E. after receiving reports of the shooting. Upon their arrival, they found Riley deceased. Homicide detectives were called to the scene to begin their investigation into the city's latest homicide. The case was assigned the number 240017628 as authorities began to piece together the events of that evening.
The investigation moved swiftly as witnesses provided crucial information. They were able to identify the green SUV the suspect used to escape. Within an hour of the shooting, officers located the vehicle at an apartment complex at 801 Locust N.E. The SUV was sealed and towed pending a search warrant. Investigators identified 28-year-old Paul Arthur Lopez as the man who had argued with and subsequently shot Marvin Riley. A witness positively identified Lopez from a photo lineup, which led homicide detectives to obtain a warrant for his arrest on a charge of first-degree murder. The following day, authorities publicly identified Lopez as the suspect and asked for the public's assistance in locating him. Not long after, Lopez turned himself in to the police. He later appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
