A violent dispute inside a downtown Albuquerque gentlemen’s club ended in the death of 37-year-old Hispanic male Earl Thomas Romo in the early hours of December 19, 2023. The shooting occurred at about 1:30 a.m. at Knockouts Gentlemen’s Club after a confrontation between two groups escalated; responding officers found Romo with gunshot wounds and he died despite medical efforts.

A 16-year-old, Louis Mugishawimana, was identified as the suspect and was taken into custody at the scene after a bystander reportedly tackled him. He was charged with first-degree murder and other offenses and was indicted as an adult. Authorities also charged 23-year-old club employee Pawnthipe Mune-Ath with unlawfully bringing a firearm into the establishment, with reports saying she claimed to have retrieved the weapon from her vehicle while off duty.

Regulators cited the club for multiple violations, including permitting a minor on the premises and serving alcohol to a minor. Romo’s family has publicly called for the club’s closure, citing safety concerns. Did anyone who attended Knockouts that night or who knew Earl see anything that could help clarify what happened?