Nathan Barela, a 40-year-old Albuquerque resident, was shot and killed on April 15, 2023. Police responded to reports of a possible shooting near 3400 Comanche Road NE and found Barela with life-threatening injuries; he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators identified Isaich Lujan as the primary suspect and charged him with murder. Police linked the motive to an inappropriate text message Barela had sent to a woman Lujan was dating, which reportedly sparked the confrontation that led to the shooting.

If anyone knew Barela, the circumstances around his death, or has information about the incident, please share what you can with investigators.