Christopher Sanchez was a 37-year-old Hispanic mechanic, father and fiancé, who worked at JJ’s Premier Tire & Services. In the pre-dawn hours of August 27, 2024, at his Adams Street NE home in Albuquerque, he confronted a group who were allegedly trying to steal his truck. Around 3:20 a.m., Sanchez was ambushed and struck by gunfire; witnesses said the shooters fired as many as 27 rounds and continued shooting after he fell.

Albuquerque Police homicide detectives identified several suspects, most of them teenagers. New Mexico State Police SWAT arrested 16-year-old Jeremy Jones in nearby Rio Rancho; after his arrest Jones allegedly admitted involvement in the attempted vehicle theft and the shooting and was booked on an open murder count plus aggravated burglary, criminal damage and multiple conspiracy charges. Investigators asked the public to help locate a white or silver SUV, possibly a Ford Escape, linked to the other suspects. A judge ordered another suspect, Jovanny Rios, held in custody after he turned himself in and was described as a ringleader.

Anyone with information about the shooting, the pictured SUV or the events that led to Christopher Sanchez’s death is asked to come forward.