On May 27, 2023, Damian Breaux, 46, of Socorro, New Mexico, was killed during a shootout on Main Street in Red River at the annual Red River Memorial Day Motorcycle Rally. The gunfire erupted around 5 p.m. after members of two outlaw motorcycle gangs, the Bandidos and the Water Dogs, who had a verbal confrontation that turned physical, exchanged gunfire. The dispute reportedly began over a photograph taken days earlier in Albuquerque.

Jacob David Castillo, 30, of Rio Rancho, a Water Dogs member, was initially arrested and charged in a Taos County criminal complaint accusing him of shooting and killing Breaux. The Taos County district attorney later filed to dismiss the first-degree murder charge on June 13, 2023, citing a desire to have unrestricted time to potentially build a stronger case; the DA noted public safety considerations when dropping charges that resulted in Castillo’s release without conditions. Two other men, Christopher Garcia, 41, and Matthew Jackson, 39, were arrested on unrelated charges.

Federal agencies including the FBI and ATF are assisting New Mexico State Police, who announced a zero tolerance policy after the shooting. If anyone has information about Breaux, the confrontation that afternoon, or events leading up to it, please share what is known.