On March 5, 2022, 23-year-old Devlin Isiah Rubi was fatally shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The incident occurred just before midnight at a residence near Wyoming Boulevard and Krim Drive in the city's northeast area. Upon arrival, Albuquerque Police Department officers found Rubi deceased in the driver's seat of a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds.
The confrontation leading to Rubi's death involved David Padilla, then 43 years old.
Witnesses reported that an argument between Rubi and Padilla escalated into a physical altercation inside the house, eventually moving outside to the driveway. During this confrontation, Rubi reportedly shot Padilla in the leg. Subsequently, Padilla retrieved the firearm and fired approximately 13 rounds into Rubi's vehicle as he attempted to leave, resulting in Rubi's death.
Padilla, who was on parole at the time for previous offenses including armed robbery and aggravated assault, was arrested shortly after the incident. He was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In January 2024, a jury found Padilla guilty of second-degree murder for the shooting death of Devlin Rubi. Sentencing was scheduled to occur at a later date.
Devlin Rubi was remembered as a courageous, witty, compassionate, and charismatic young man who could light up a room with his beautiful smile. He had many friends, but his best friend was Drako, his beloved dog. Despite his difficulties, he remained strong until the very end.
