Tyler Jeremy 'The Beast' East, a 30-year-old former professional mixed martial artist, was shot and killed on April 5, 2021, in Los Lunas, New Mexico, following a domestic dispute. The incident occurred at a residence where East was involved in a altercation with his girlfriend.
According to the New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau, the dispute between East and his girlfriend escalated to violence. East shot his girlfriend, who was also found at the scene with a gunshot wound.
After shooting her, East dragged her outside the residence. In the ensuing events, another man who was present at the residence shot and killed East. The woman was taken to the hospital and, as of the following day, was reported to be in stable condition while being treated for her injuries.
The man who shot East fled the scene before police arrived, and as of the reports, no arrest had been made in connection with East's death. The investigation into the incident was ongoing, with the New Mexico State Police working to gather more details and identify the individual responsible for shooting East.
Tyler East had a history of run-ins with the law, particularly related to domestic violence. In 2009, he was accused of beating a fellow student in gym class at Belen High School and pleaded no contest to a charge of third-degree aggravated battery, for which he was sentenced to three years' probation. However, he later violated this probation when he used a fake ID. In 2012, East was arrested again on domestic violence charges after his ex-girlfriend alleged that he was on a cocaine binge and physically assaulted her. These charges included kidnapping, aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, and bribery of a witness.
East was a notable figure in the MMA world, having competed 21 times as a professional fighter from 2009 to 2016. He trained at JacksonWink MMA in Albuquerque and fought for various organizations, including Bellator and King of the Cage. His professional debut was at Bellator 3, where he secured a first-round knockout against Amedeo Viola. His final fight took place in October 2016 at Legacy FC 60, where he was knocked out by Brian Heden in the first round.
The death of Tyler East highlights a tragic end to a life marked by both athletic achievement and legal troubles, particularly in the context of domestic violence. The case remains notable for the absence of an immediate arrest or resolution regarding the individual who shot East, leaving the community and authorities to continue their investigation into the events surrounding his death.
