Eva Marie Duron, a 50-year-old resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, tragically lost her life on October 12, 2020, in a violent incident that shocked her family and community. The event occurred in the parking lot of the Queen of Peace Chapel, located near San Pedro and Constitution in Albuquerque.
Eva was murdered by her estranged husband, Matthew Alex Montoya, who was 52 years old at the time of the incident.
Matthew Montoya was described as a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, involved in various community and religious activities. He had served as a Chaplain and had toured with 'Up With People'; he was also involved with Church Ministries and had previously owned a pre-school in Arizona.
The circumstances surrounding Eva's death were marked by a history of domestic violence and a contentious divorce process. Court documents revealed that the couple had been going through a divorce for the past year, and Eva had filed a restraining order against Matthew. Despite this, an agreement had recently been made to allow Matthew to retrieve some of his belongings, which may have led to the fatal encounter.
On the morning of October 12, 2020, Eva suffered five gunshot wounds inflicted by Matthew Montoya. She passed away shortly after the shooting. Following the incident, police tracked down Matthew Montoya to a home on Chelwood near Hoover Middle School. During the confrontation, detectives shot and killed him. A gun was found in his van, indicating that he was armed at the time of the police encounter.
Eva Marie Duron was a dedicated mother, nurse, and community member. Born on March 19, 1970, in Fontana, California, she grew up in Perris, California, and later moved to Albuquerque. She was a valedictorian at Temple Christian High School and later earned her RN Associate's Degree from Riverside City College. Eva worked in various healthcare roles, including rehabilitation, psychiatric care, and caring for developmentally disabled individuals. At the time of her death, she was serving as the Director of Nursing.
Eva's life was marked by her strong Catholic faith and her tireless efforts to protect her family, particularly her youngest daughter, for whom she was fighting custody. Her family remembered her as a courageous and patient individual who had endured years of domestic violence but never gave up. Her death was a devastating loss to her nine children, eight grandchildren, parents, brothers, and the wider community that knew her.
The incident highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help and support for those affected. Eva's family encouraged others experiencing similar situations to reach out for assistance, emphasizing that it is never too late to seek help.
