On January 14, 2019, a tragic incident occurred at a Circle K gas station located at the intersection of Menaul and University in Albuquerque, New Mexico, resulting in the deaths of 27-year-old Jesus Lopez and his 24-year-old friend, James Ronquillo. The events unfolded early in the morning when Lopez and Ronquillo, along with Lopez's brother, were visiting the gas station.
A confrontation ensued after James Alex Chavez, a 32-year-old individual, attempted to leave the premises without paying for a water bottle and a bag of chips.
According to the criminal complaint and surveillance footage, Chavez was escorted off the property by Lopez's brother, with Lopez and Ronquillo following. This confrontation escalated when Chavez pulled out a gun and began shooting, fatally wounding both Lopez and Ronquillo. The motive behind the shooting appears to be rooted in the dispute over the unpaid items, highlighting the extreme and violent reaction of Chavez to a relatively minor incident.
The investigation into the shooting was swift and thorough, with detectives utilizing surveillance footage, DNA, and fingerprints found on the water bottle and bag of chips to identify Chavez as the suspect. These forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts were crucial in linking Chavez to the crime. Chavez was subsequently arrested and booked at the Metropolitan Detention Center early on the Saturday following the incident.
Chavez's arrest brought some measure of relief to the community, as he was described as a violent criminal by the Albuquerque police. The families of the victims expressed their grief and a desire for justice, with Lopez's girlfriend emphasizing the close bond between Lopez and Ronquillo, who were described as inseparable best friends.
The incident also raised questions about the security measures at the Circle K gas station, given the frequent calls to the location and the history of criminal activity in the area. The Murray Law Firm highlighted the potential for a negligent security case, suggesting that the convenience store owner may have failed to provide adequate security to protect patrons from foreseeable harm.
Jesus Lopez, who was a lifelong resident of Albuquerque, left behind a family that included his mother, Yvonne Rizo, his husband, Jose, and their children, Estrella, Jesus, and Louella. He was also survived by his brother, Joseph Romero, his niece, Sabrina, his nephew, Joseph Jr., his fiancée, Monica Maestas, and her children, Evangeline, Lanae, and Isaac. A visitation and funeral service were held at St. Anne Catholic Church to honor his memory.
