A parking-space dispute in Albuquerque turned deadly on the night of August 22, 2025. Twenty-two-year-old Carlos Ochoa had driven a group to the Effingbar and Grill on Sequoia Road NW for a birthday celebration; around 10:30 p.m. an argument broke out in the parking lot when Ochoa pulled into a spot another man, 38-year-old David Casarez, was waiting for. Witnesses say Casarez started a physical fight and that women from both vehicles became involved.

Witnesses report Casarez retrieved a handgun from his car, shot Ochoa multiple times and struck Ochoa’s girlfriend with the weapon. After three shots brought Ochoa to the ground, witnesses say there was a pause and then a final, fatal shot as Ochoa tried to sit up. Police found Ochoa face up beside his car; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Casarez called 911 saying he had shot someone and claimed self-defense, alleging Ochoa had pointed a gun, but investigators did not find a weapon on Ochoa. Casarez was arrested and booked on an open count of murder and five counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on August 24, 2025.

Did anyone witness the argument or the shooting who hasn’t yet spoken to investigators?