Jesus Valdez, an 18-year-old Hispanic employee at an O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was fatally shot on September 14, 2025, after a dispute with a customer over an oil filter. The customer, identified as 27-year-old Ismael Tena, reportedly became upset when he was denied free oil containers he believed he was owed, took two containers and left the store. Valdez and a 47-year-old coworker, Richard Newman, followed Tena outside and a physical confrontation occurred. Tena then allegedly retrieved a firearm from his truck and shot both employees. Newman was pronounced dead at the scene; Valdez was taken to hospital and later died.

Tena called 911 after the shooting and told dispatchers the employees had come after him and he fired in self-defense. Deputies said they saw no injuries on Tena consistent with his account. Neither Valdez nor Newman were armed. Tena was arrested near Isleta and Blake in a white GMC pickup and charged with two open counts of murder; a judge ordered him held pending trial. An obituary describes Valdez as a beloved son and brother who dreamed of working hard to provide for his mother.

Does anyone have information about Jesus Valdez, his shifts at that store, or witnesses to the confrontation who haven’t spoken to investigators?