On July 13, 2023, 26-year-old James Edward Nicholson Jr. was shot and killed outside the Ditzy Duck Bar on Airway Boulevard in East El Paso after an argument inside the bar moved into the parking lot and escalated to gunfire. Alexa Retana, 27, was also fatally wounded and later died at University Medical Center. Four other people were injured: Jason Webb, 25; Samuel Munoz, 27; John Retana, 28; and Sebastian Benecke, 30.

Two suspects, Andrew James Williams, 20, and Aaron John, 22, both described as Fort Bliss residents, were arrested after Fort Bliss Military Police stopped their vehicle at a post entry gate about eight miles from the bar. They have been charged with capital murder and remain in custody; as of October 2, 2024, Williams was held on a $1,200,000 bond and John on a $500,000 bond, with a jury trial scheduled for November 8, 2024.

Nicholson is remembered by his family as a beloved son, father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his parents, James Edward Nicholson Sr. and Veronica Nicholson; his daughter, Jaelyn Alexa Nicholson; brothers Dominic and Marcus Allen Nicholson; and sister Victoria Lynn Nicholson. Funeral services were held July 25, 2023, at Funeraria del Angel Central, with burial at Restlawn Memorial Park.

Did anyone witness the dispute inside the bar or the events in the parking lot that night?