Elias Tiberi, 21, of Jemez Springs, New Mexico, was shot and died in the early morning of November 15, 2025, in the parking lot of the Ohkay Owingeh Casino in Rio Arriba County. Deputies responded shortly after 12:26 a.m.; New Mexico State Police investigators say he was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene.

State police describe three young men gathered at a vehicle in the casino lot: Tiberi and another 21-year-old, Gerald Trujillo, were inside the car while a third friend stood outside. Investigators say the group had been using illegal narcotics when Trujillo brandished a firearm, waved it inside the confined space, and the gun discharged as Tiberi tried to push it away. Tiberi was struck in the upper body. Trujillo is reported to have pulled Tiberi from the vehicle, fled in a red Ford Mustang, and later turned himself in around 12:45 p.m.

Trujillo has been charged with second-degree murder, negligent use of a deadly weapon, and two counts of tampering with evidence. The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau lists the case as active and no other suspects have been publicly named.

Did anyone who knew Elias or was at the casino that night see what happened or have information to share?