On the afternoon of May 27, 2023, the town of Red River, New Mexico, was filled with the roar of motorcycles for the 41st Annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally. Among the thousands of bikers was Randy Sanchez, a 46-year-old Hispanic male from Albuquerque. A distinguished and widely known tattoo artist, he was a member of the Water Dogs motorcycle club and was passionate about customizing his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
The festive atmosphere of the rally was shattered around
5:00 p.m. when a violent confrontation erupted on East Main Street. The altercation, which involved members of the Water Dogs and the rival Bandidos motorcycle gang, quickly escalated into a shootout. The dispute is believed to have stemmed from an earlier incident in Albuquerque that was sparked by a photograph involving the two gangs.
In the midst of the chaos, Randy Sanchez was fatally shot. Two other men, 26-year-old Anthony Silva and 46-year-old Damian Breaux, both affiliated with the Bandidos, also lost their lives in the exchange of gunfire. Five other individuals were injured during the incident. Law enforcement from the New Mexico State Police, along with local and federal agencies, quickly responded to the scene, shutting down the area and beginning their investigation into the deadly violence that had unfolded.
In the aftermath of the shootout, several arrests were made. Jacob Castillo, a 30-year-old member of the Water Dogs, was identified as a suspect and charged with an open count of murder in connection with the death of one of the Bandidos members. Two members of the Bandidos were also taken into custody on separate charges. Christopher Garcia, 41, was charged with possession of cocaine, and 39-year-old Matthew Jackson faced a charge of unlawfully carrying a firearm in a liquor establishment. The murder charge against Castillo was later dismissed, although it could be refiled as the investigation continues.
