On April 12, 2022, 42-year-old Kenneth Charles Sweetwater Jr., known as 'Cubby Bear' was fatally shot alongside 32-year-old Dominic Sanchez in the parking lot of the DK convenience store at 13601 Copper Ave. NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The incident occurred following an argument between the victims and two individuals, including 48-year-old Marcos Vigil.
Surveillance footage and witness testimonies revealed that the confrontation escalated when Vigil and his 15-year-old son arrived at the store on foot. After a verbal exchange, Vigil entered the store while his son remained outside. As Vigil and his son were leaving, Sweetwater and Sanchez approached them, prompting Vigil to draw a firearm and shoot both men as they attempted to flee.
Albuquerque Police Department detectives identified Vigil as the shooter through surveillance video and witness statements. He was arrested on April 21, 2022, and charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
During the trial, Vigil's defense argued that he acted in self-defense to protect himself and his son, claiming that Sweetwater and Sanchez moved aggressively toward them. However, prosecutors contended that Vigil's actions were unjustified, noting that both victims were shot in the back while attempting to escape. The case was deliberated by a jury in December 2023.
Sweetwater's death was a significant loss to his family and community. Born on July 12, 1979, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he was the son of Lucinda Twins from Taos, New Mexico. He was remembered fondly by his loved ones, who referred to him by his affectionate nickname, 'Cubby Bear.'
